Stubborn Steaua hold out

By Luke McLaughlin

FC Steaua Bucuresti achieved a fine 2-1 victory against Besiktas JK in UEFA Cup Group B thanks to first-half goals from Adrian Neaga and Cristian Ciocoiu.

Oprita off
Besiktas fought back after Daniel Oprita was sent off for the Romanian side, Ibrahim Akin pulling a goal back on 87 minutes, but Steaua's dynamic first-half display proved to be decisive.

Injury worries
Steaua had fitness concerns with no less than three international midfield players on the injured list, but 36-year-old Dorinel Munteanu was fit to start. Besiktas were missing defender Ronaldo Guiaro and midfielder Kaan Dobra through injury.

Storming start
It was a great start for the hosts - after three minutes Gabriel Bostina crossed acrobatically from the left wing, the ball eluded Ibrahim Üzülmez and Neaga calmly stroked it in, giving Ramazan Kursunlu no chance in the Besiktas goal.

Ciocoui clinical
Neaga came to the fore again after 19 minutes, bursting down the right and firing an accurate cross to the near post. Ciocoiu was there to meet it, diverting the ball in via Ramazan's boot and the right post. It was 2-0 and the Romanian crowd were in raptures.

Under pressure
Besiktas were given little space to settle on the ball - and chances continued to fall their opponents' way, Ciocoiu seeing another shot saved by Ramazan on 32 minutes after good work by Mirel Radoi.

Carew careless
Vicente Del Bosque's side created a clear opening on the stroke of half-time, with former Valencia CF man John Carew controlling a high ball well with his chest. He swivelled and shot right-footed from five metres but his effort sailed high over the bar and the teams went in at the break with Steaua very much on top.

Besiktas blow
Besiktas were determined but immediately suffered a blow as Carew was injured after clashing with Sorin Ghionea. Tümer Metin replaced him but could not provide the same physical presence, and for long periods the visitors struggled to make any impact on the game.

Neaga danger
Steaua looked in control with Neaga a constant threat - on 78 minutes he hit a fine 25-metre shot that Ramazan did well to divert for a corner. But things were soon to change dramatically.

Second yellow
Oprita was having an excellent game on the right wing for Steaua but was booked twice in quick succession - the second offence on 79 minutes was a needless handball and he was dismissed.

Late fightback
Besiktas began to threaten, with Daniel Pancu heading narrowly wide on 81 minutes before Ibrahim Akin missed a straightforward opportunity after substitute Ahmed Hassan's assist. Three minutes from full-time, Akin beat Steaua goalkeeper Vasili Khomutovski to a free-kick and diverted the ball in. Besiktas continued to push forward but could not find an equaliser.

Knockout chance
Both teams still look capable of progressing to the knockout stages, especially if they emerge from next week's matches victorious. Steaua visit Athletic Club Bilbao while Besiktas welcome R. Standard de Liège to Turkey.