UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Oltenia on the cusp of showpiece date

Bratislava AMA 0-2 Oltenia AMA
Sorinel Patrascu's team are firm favourites to reach the UEFA Regions' Cup final from Group A after defeating their Slovakian rivals in Velika Gorica.

Bogdan Constantin Preda (7) celebrates his 61st-minute opener
Bogdan Constantin Preda (7) celebrates his 61st-minute opener ©HNS

Oltenia AMA are firm favourites to reach the UEFA Regions' Cup final from Group A after defeating Bratislava AMA in Velika Gorica.

Mundi beaten
Bratislava goalkeeper Andrej Mundi kept the Romanian outfit at bay with a string of fine saves until Bogdan Constantin Preda struck with 29 minutes remaining. Mirel Adrian Sirbu's 73rd-minute strike secured Oltenia all three points which leaves them top of the section, three points ahead of Privolzhie AMA and Centre Zagreb AMA, who they play in their final group match on Saturday.

Post struck
Oltenia striker Constantin Alin Văcaru hit the post after only six minutes with a shot from inside the penalty area, while soon after Adrian Ionut Mitroi headed over from a corner as Sorinel Patrascu's team sought an early breakthrough. After Gabriel Petrovici shot wide of the Bratislava goal, Mundi then took centre stage, denying Sirbu, Costinel Radut and Eugen Eusebiu Rioşanu before the half was out.

Richly deserved
Mundi continued where he left off after the break, saving from Octavian Marinescu and Sirbu but he was powerless to prevent Oltenia taking the lead shortly after when Preda shot between the goalkeeper's legs. Buoyed by their lead, Oltenia made the points safe with a second goal their attacking play warranted, with Sirbu producing a neat finish from inside the area. There was still time for Ionut Marian Miulescu and Sirbu to strike the woodwork and for Oltenia's Ionut Stoica to be dismissed for his second booking. The result ends Bratislava's already slim hopes of progressing to the tournament final.