Romania round-up: Late goal pegs back Rapid
Sunday, April 20, 2003
Article summary
FC Rapid Bucuresti's lead was reduced to eight points after a dramatic 2-1 defeat at FCM Bacau.
Article body
FC Rapid Bucuresti go into next week's crucial derby against FC Steaua Bucuresti only eight points clear at the top of the Romanian First Division after a 2-1 defeat at FCM Bacau.
Added-time winner
Rapid went behind on 23 minutes to a Valeriu Bordeanu shot, but were level just before the half-hour through Adrian Iencsi's penalty. However, in a tight game, Bacau had the last word in added time when Marius Croitoru scored the winner to take his team up to ninth.
Radacanu on target
Steaua took full advantage of Rapid's slip as they overcame FC Arges-Dacia Pitesti at home. Arges goalkeeper Stefan Preda saved a 25th-minute penalty from Claudiu Raducanu after a professional foul for which Claudiu Somcherechi was dismissed. But Radacanu was able to claim his 14th goal of the season on the hour mark, heading in from close range.
Brasov up to third
Form team FC Brasov are up to third place after a 3-2 win against CF Sportul Studentesc. Nicolae Iorga put Brasov ahead on 22 minutes, only for Laurentiu Dinita to level before the break. Iorga scored again on 49 minutes and completed a hat-trick 16 minutes later, to ensure Octavian Chihaia's strike was only a consolation.
Dinamo off the mark
FC National Bucuresti are down to fourth after a draw with FC Dinamo Bucuresti, who finally claimed their first point of 2003 after seven defeats. Gabriel Caramarin put National ahead on 33 minutes, and although Dinamo striker Ionel Danciulescu was sent off for a second bookable offence early in the second half, Cosmin Barcauan headed the title-holders level with 14 minutes left.
Relegation struggle
FC Politehnica AEK Timisoara gained a crucial 2-1 win against FC Farul Constanta in the tight relegation struggle - their first home win in 154 days. FC Universitatea Craiova, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their UEFA Cup semi-final qualification, were held 1-1 by bottom club FC UTA Arad, while CS Otelul Galati may be unbeaten at home in nearly two years, but could still go down after being held 0-0 by FC Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt. In the remaining match Astra Ploiesti beat CF Gloria Bistrita 1922 2-0.
