Steaua tower over Gorica

FC Steaua Bucuresti will take on R. Standard de Liège for a place in the UEFA Champions League group stage after a comfortable victory against Slovenian champions NK Gorica.

Under-strength side
Already 2-0 up from the away leg, the Romanian champions managed to score a further three goals without reply in Bucharest despite the absence of the injured Mirel Radoi, Gigel Coman and Carlos Alberto Fernandes as well as Sorin Paraschiv, Petre Marin and Dorin Goian, who were rested for the night. A disappointing first half saw Steaua contain Gorica comfortably, although they had made few attempts on Vasja Šimčič's goal before Gabriel Bostina opened the scoring after 43 minutes, spectacularly converting Vasilica Cristocea’s right-wing cross from close range.

Finishing touch
Steaua dominated in the second period, with debutant Rahamin Saban making a fine first impression. The Israeli player’s 35-metre shot was pushed wide by Šimčič after 69 minutes but it was not long before Victoras Iacob headed Steaua's second from a corner. Saban was then brought down in the penalty area in the closing moments allowing substitute Iulian Ochirosii to score Steaua's third of the night from the penalty spot.