Romania round-up: National held by Sportul

Round 27 of Divizia A took place today and league leaders FC National Bucuresti could only manage a 1-1 draw with CF Sportul Studentesc.

Game in hand
National opened the scoring in the 60th minute through defender Adrian Falub after Sergiu Radu's shot had hit the post, but relegation threatened Sportul equalised only six minutes later when Gheorghe Bucur scored from three metres out after being set up by Ionut Mazilu. National now lead FC Dinamo Bucuresti, who play FC Steaua Bucuresti tomorrow, by just two points, but they have played a game more than their rivals.

Third spot
In his first game in charge of FC Rapid Bucuresti, new coach Mircea Rednic oversaw a 2-0 win at FC Petrolul Ploiesti thanks to goals from Robert Ilyes, just before the break, and Robert Nita in the 75th minute after a mistake in the Petrolul defence. The win takes Rapid up to third in the table.

Late drama
CS Otelul Galati left it late before coming from behind to beat FCM Bacau 2-1. Bacau took the lead in the 45th minute through Cristian Ciocoiu, but after half-time it was all Otelul, although they had to wait until 13 minutes from time to equalise through veteran midfield player Viorel Tanase. And it was the same player who won the points for the home team with a sensational free-kick from 20 metres out on 85 minutes.

Seeing red
In seventh place, on 40 points, are FC Universitatea Craiova, who beat SC Astra Ploiesti 1-0. Victor Iacob scored the decisive goal in the 68th minute, but only after Astra's Daniel Movila was dismissed on the stroke of half-time having received his second yellow card of the game.

Dica double
Elsewhere today, FC Arges-Dacia Pitesti overcame relegated UM Timisoara 4-1 thanks to goals from Ion Vladoiu, two from Nicolae Dica and Danut Somcherechi, with Calin Bota scoring a consolation for Timisoara.

Sanmartean winner
CF Gloria Bistrita 1922 confirmed their top-flight status with a 2-1 win over FC Farul Constanta, with Cristian Coroian opening the scoring for Gloria ten minutes before the break. Cosmin Mocanu equalised with a sensational shot after 56 minutes, but Gloria's playmaker, Lucian Sanmartean, won the game with a fantastic free-kick in the 81st minute.

Brasov safe
FC Brasov are almost safe after a 2-0 win over FC Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt with Mihai Stere and Cosmin Bodea finding the back of the net.