Romania round-up: Universitatea go top of the class

FC Universitatea Craiova’s 3-1 defeat of FC Steaua Bucuresti at the weekend put them top of the Romanian first division after three games.

Third consecutive win
In front of a 35,000 capacity crowd, Universitatea took charge when Bobi Verdes slammed in an excellent assist from Ionut Lutu and Marius Sava converted a penalty to double the lead. Steaua captain Mirel Radoi was sent off for a second bookable offence but the visitors fought doggedly and pulled one back through Claudiu Raducanu, before Verdes rounded off the home side’s third win on the bounce.

Politehnica stay strong
Newly promoted FC Politehnica Timisoara’s impressive start to the season continued with a 1-0 home win over FC Arges-Dacia Pitesti that put them second, captain Mihai Nicolae slotting in from the penalty spot on 35 minutes to collect his third goal of the season.

Champions held
Defending champions FC Dinamo Bucuresti could only manage a 1-1 draw with FCM Bacau, scoring through Ionel Danciulescu on 42 minutes but conceding when Catalin Cursaru equalised from the spot mid-way through the second half. Vladimir Munteanu did put the ball in the back of the net late on but the goal was controversially disallowed.

National struggle
FC National Bucuresti were another capital side to struggle, former Italian international goalkeeper Walter Zenga’s side losing 2-1 against Sportul Studentesc Bucuresti.National were undone when Laurentiu Dinita buried the rebound from his own penalty and snatched the win through the same player after substitute Boris Keca equalised with a header.

First win
Having drawn twice this term, FC Brasov recorded their first win with a 2-0 defeat of FC Rapid Bucuresti after goals from Mihai Stere on 58 minutes and Mugurel Buga in the dying stages.

Two wins and a draw
In the remaining fixtures, FC Farul Constanta beat FC UTA Arad 1-0, CS Otelul Galati defeated FC Gloria Bistrita by the same score and SC Astra Ploiesti drew 2-2 with FC Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt.