Romania round-up: Dinamo delight after derby win

FC Dinamo Bucuresti continued their march towards the Romanian first division title with a 3-2 derby victory over FC Rapid Bucuresti.

Five points ahead
Dinamo, with only one league defeat all season, are now five points ahead of second-placed FC National Bucuresti, who triumphed 2-0 over FC Gloria Bistrita 1927 in Sunday's other match. Champions FC Steaua Bucuresti are now in third place with 31 points while Rapid are in fourth with 29 points.

Pancu scores again
Rapid actually took the lead, surprising the hosts in the sixth minute when Daniel Pancu beat Bogdan Lobont from a tight angle. It was Pancu's 15th goal of the season and leaves him at the top of the scorers' chart.

Two for Niculescu
Dinamo battled back in the eleventh minute through Claudiu Niculescu, converting a rebound after Bogdan Stelea in the Rapid goal had cleared a Mugur Bolohan shot. The hosts nearly took the lead for the first time six minutes later through Claudiu Dragan but he hit the post. Six minutes before half-time Dinamo finally made it 2-1 with Niculescu heading home for his second of the day.

Strikers injured
Dragan got the goal his play deserved in the 41st minute with a fierce 15-metre shot to send Dinamo in with a 3-1 lead at the break. Rapid coach Viorel Hizo changed things around in the second half and his side dominated proceedings. Rapid closed the gap four minutes after the break through Robert Ilyes. For all their dominance, Rapid could not find another goal to draw level. For Dinamo, victory came at a price as two strong challenges from Rapid captain Adrian Iencsi saw them lose both Niculescu and Dragan to injury.

Missed penalty
National accounted for Gloria thanks to goals in either half from Petre Marin and Marin Savu. Gloria could have taken something from the game had Ciprian Bucuroaia not missed a 39th-minute penalty kick.