Romania: Bucharest rivals shocked

FC Steaua Bucuresti and FC Rapid Bucuresti both fell to surprise 3-1 defeats in the Romanian first division on Sunday.

Sportul shock
Steaua went down first in the early game, losing away at bottom club CF Sportul Studentesc who had not won since September. Admittedly, Steaua have not been in the best away form of late having lost their previous three matches on the road.

Late goals
It was a hard-fought contest  but Steaua actually scored first through Adrian Neaga’s 15-metre strike in the 34th minute. Sportul did not get back on level terms until the hour when Gheorghe Bucur headed home. The game looked like it was destined for a draw when Sportul scored twice just before the end. First a low cross from the left was converted by substitute Octavian Chihaia and then another replacement Ionut Mazilu wrapped up an amazing win.

Solomon double
Sunday’s late game saw Rapid also go down to another relegation contenders, FC Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt. The result was never in doubt after Adrian Solomon had scored twice in two minutes just before the interval. Constantin Ilie made the victory safe for the visitors with a 62nd-minute penalty. The spot kick came about after Danut Perja fouled Constantin Enache on the edge of the penalty area, and the defender was sent off for the challenge. Rapid’s consolation came in the 87th minute through Daniel Pancu’s tenth goal of the season.