Sheriff stifle Steaua ambitions

FC Sheriff celebrated becoming the first Moldovan team to compete in the group stage of a UEFA club competition by recording a goalless draw at FC Steaua Bucureşti in Group H.

Defensive stability
Sheriff are participating in the UEFA Europa League following their elimination in the UEFA Champions League play-offs, and again displayed the resilience which has seen them concede more than one goal only once in their last eleven away games as they held out for a deserved point in the Romanian capital. Steaua coach Christian Bergodi was dismissed by owner George Becali after the game.

Rada chance
With the match being played behind closed doors, there was a subdued atmosphere which contributed to a placid opening. The benches of both sides were briefly roused when a drive from Steaua's Ionuţ Rada was tipped over after eight minutes but the game developed into little more than a midfield tussle for the rest of a first half in which Rodríguez's bouncing free-kick was the sum of Sheriff's efforts.

Substitute impact
Both sides were initially more adventurous at the start of the second period with Andrei Ionescu stinging the palms of Sheriff goalkeeper Stanislav Namaşco from 20 metres, only for the game to revert to type. Both coaches made changes in an attempt to force a breakthough although defences remained on top and the spoils were shared.