Romania round-up: Rapid still in first gear

Mazilu winner
In a full round of matches postponed from 1 March, Rapid's subdued form since the winter break continued, as Ionut Mazilu scored on the counterattack with eleven minutes to go. Rapid have now not won since the season resumed and their lead is down to eight points.

Dramatic win
Second-placed FC National Bucuresti took full advantage with a dramatic 2-1 win against bottom side FC UTA Arad. Victor Iacob put National ahead on 28 minutes only for Marius Popescu to equalise before half-time. But Walter Zenga's team kept trying and in the second minute of added time Ovidiu Petre scored his first league goal to give his side victory.

Dinamo defeated
Champions FC Dinamo Bucuresti slipped to fourth as they suffered their third consecutive defeat. As in the previous two, they conceded three goals as FC Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt came from two behind to win 3-2. Cosmin Barcauan goals on 13 and 26 minutes had given Dinamo a seemingly comfortable half-time lead. However, Florin Axinia and Adrian Solomon responded with goals early in the second period and Tiberiu Serban's powerful free-kick won the game with seven minutes remaining to leave his side in eighth.

Onofras saves Brasov
FC Steaua Bucuresti are up to third but could only draw 1-1 at home to FC Brasov. Claudiu Raducanu's 53rd-minute goal seemed to have given the capital side victory, but Marcel Onofras levelled the scores in added time for Brasov, trained by former Steaua legend Marius Lacatus, who was given a standing ovation by the home fans.

Relegation race
Elsewhere, FC Farul Constanta picked up three more useful points in their attempt to avoid relegation, beating high-flying CF Gloria Bistrita 1922 3-1 away from home, the hosts reduced to ten men late on while already trailing. Meanwhile, Astra Ploiesti overcame nine-man FC Universitatea Craiova 2-0 and FC Arges-Dacia Pitesti drew 2-2 with fellow strugglers CS Otelul Galati. All in all, only four points separate eighth from 15th place.