Romania round-up: Steaua stumble again

Despite a much-improved performance, FC Steaua Bucuresti were unable to kickstart their season when they played host to fierce rivals FC Dinamo Bucuresti on Sunday and were held to a 1-1 draw.

Miu opener
Neither side has set alight this season's Divizia A, but the Romanian league's showpiece derby was nevertheless a fascinating encounter. Dinamo goalkeeper Cristian Munteanu kept his side in the match with a string of fine first-half saves, but he was unable to prevent Iulian Miu opening the scoring with a 52nd-minute header. 

Change of fortune
But Dinamo fought back and almost equalised when substitute Vlad Munteanu's cross hit the post and Mugur Bolohan's follow-up effort was headed off the line by Steaua captain Mirel Radoi.  Vlad Munteanu's luck changed 20 minutes from time when his 22-metre drive was deflected into the net by Miu to level the scores.

Marin dismissed
There was late drama when Dinamo trainer Florin Marin was sent off for straying beyond the confines of his tactical zone, but neither side could find a winning goal. Dinamo are now in eighth position, while struggling Steaua are still wallowing in 15th spot.

Dinita double
Bucuresti neighbours CF Sportul Studentesc recorded a 2-0 away from home at the expense of FC UTA Arad in the day's other game, Laurentiu Dinita's double securing the points.

Sensational Stanga
On Saturday, FC Universitatea Craiova maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-2 draw against FC Arges-Dacia Pitesti. Midfield player Ovidiu Stanga was the hero for the league leaders, opening the scoring in the 28th minute and securing a share of the spoils with a free-kick deep into added time after Cristian Balasa and Augustin Chirita had put Arges ahead.

Rat attack
FC Rapid Bucuresti lie in second after their 3-0 victory over FC Politehnica AEK Timisoara. Razvan Rat's opener midway through the first half was followed by goals from Valentin Badoi and Florin Bratu to seal all three points for the capital club.

Gloria go fourth
Elsewhere, CF Gloria Bistrita 1922 climbed to fourth with a 3-1 victory over the previously undefeated FC Brasov. Adrian Bucuroaia's third-minute goal was swiftly followed by a Sandu Negrean penalty as Gloria raced into an early lead. Vasile Popa extended their advantage just before half-time and even though FC Brasov pulled one back through Daniel Isaila's spot-kick, it was not enough to spark a revival.

Astra burst
In the weekend's remaining games, FCM Bacau beat Astra Ploiesti 2-0 while the matches between FC National Bucuresti and CS Otelul Galati and FC Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt and FC Farul Constanta both finished goalless.