Romania round-up: National miss their chance

FC National Bucuresti failed to topple local rivals FC Dinamo Bucuresti from the top of Divizia A after a 1-1 draw with FC Universitatea Craiova in Saturday’s round 15 game.

National frustrated
Universitatea took the lead after just six minutes through an unlucky own-goal from National defender Gigel Coman and despite constant pressure and a string of excellent opportunities, the visitors frustrated the second-placed side. Slavisa Mitrovic hit the post twice for National, Gabriel Caramarin missed a 30th-minute penalty and Universitatea goalkeeper Stefan Preda made a string of excellent saves before the home side grabbed their equaliser when defender Petre Marin headed home after 60 minutes.

Another defeat for Rapid
It was a miserable day for third-placed FC Rapid Bucuresti as they fell to their third successive defeat away to CS Otelul Galati. Mihai Gurita opened the score in the fourtth minute after capitalising on a mistake from Rapid goalkeeper Eugen Anghel and defender Marian Dinu was credited with a second after 39 minutes when he deflected Nicolae Constantin’s attempted clearance into the net.

Timisoara stay bottom
UM Timisoara remain at the bottom of the table after a 5-1 defeat to FC Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt with four of Ceahlaul’s goals coming from long-range shots, and CF Sportul Studentesc remain in trouble after a similarly depressing 5-1defeat away to FC Arges-Dacia Pitesti. Fellow relegation strugglers FC Petrolul Ploiesti drew 1-1 at home to FC Farul Constanta with Marius Irimescu’s late free-kick for the visitors cancelling out Sorin Teican’s 68th-minute header.
 
Bucuroaia inspires Gloria
In Saturday’s other Divizia A game, FC Gloria Bistrita emerged as 2-0 winners against FCM Bacau at the Gloris stadium. Two goals from Sorin Bucuroaia in the 70th and 86th minutes ensured an unhappy start to newly appointed coach Gheorghe Poenaru’s tenure at Bacau.