Steaua stirred from complacency

FC Steaua Bucuresti captain Mirel Radoi will not be underestimating FC BATE Borisov again after the Belarussian hosts held the Romanian side to a 2-2 draw in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.

Tough game
Dorin Goian and Nicolae Dică struck in the second half after Steaua had fallen behind to Artyom Radkov's goal for BATE, and although Gennadi Bliznyuk levelled late on Steaua appear favourites to progress when the tie concludes on 29 August. "The game proved to be much tougher than we expected – the Belarussians challenged us for every centimetre of the pitch," said Radoi. "The first half was not good for us, but in the second we got together and had a decent spell. Still, we lacked concentration in the end and allowed an unnecessary goal but we have a good chance to progress."

'Real fight'
BATE coach Igor Kryushenko was annoyed that his team allowed Steaua to profit from set-pieces – but he is not betting against his charges just yet. "We did a great job not allowing the opposition to do what they do best. It's very disappointing though to have allowed two goals from set-plays. We were down 2-1 and then equalised, but I still have a sense of disappointment. We do have a chance, however. It will be decided in Bucharest and we promise to put up a real fight."