Match Report: CSA Steaua București vs. FC Voluntari – Romanian Liga II

FC Voluntari produced a stunning attacking display to defeat CSA Steaua București 4–2 away from home on 16 May 2026 in the Romanian Liga II. The result shakes up the promotion playoff picture and leaves Steaua with serious questions about their consistency.

Match Overview

In a high‑stakes clash at the Stadionul Steaua, both teams started aggressively. Voluntari struck early, but Steaua equalised, only to fall behind again before half‑time. The second half turned into a shootout, with Voluntari proving more clinical. Four goals from the visitors, including two in eight second‑half minutes, ultimately proved too much for the home side to recover from.

Key Moments

• 4th minute – 0–1: Voluntari stunned the home crowd when winger Ciprian Petre cut inside and curled a shot into the far corner.
• 21st minute – 1–1: Steaua responded through striker Valentin Popa, who volleyed home after a cross from the right found him unmarked.
• 35th minute – 1–2: Voluntari regained the lead when midfielder Andrei Bălan fired low from the edge of the box after a quick counter‑attack.
• 57th minute – 1–3: Petre added his second of the night, heading in a corner that caught Steaua’s defence flat‑footed.
• 68th minute – 1–4: Substitute Ionuț Cazacu made it 4–1 with a simple tap‑in after goalkeeper Alexandru Popa spilled a cross.
• 81st minute – 2–4: Steaua pulled one back through captain Cristian Sava, who smashed home from a free kick. But it was too little, too late.

Standout Performers

Ciprian Petre was the man of the match, scoring twice and assisting another with his pace and direct running. Midfielder Andrei Bălan also impressed, orchestrating the play and scoring a key goal. For Steaua, Valentin Popa led the line well but lacked support, while goalkeeper Alexandru Popa had a night to forget after a couple of uncertain moments.

Table Context

The win moved FC Voluntari into third place in the Romanian Liga II, strengthening their case for promotion to the top flight. Steaua București dropped to sixth, now five points adrift of the promotion playoff spots with only six matches to play. For a club with such history and ambition, this defeat could prove a major setback in their mission to return to Liga I.

Voluntari’s potent attack and ruthless finishing will give their fans hope that a return to the top division is within reach. Steaua, meanwhile, must regroup quickly or risk seeing their season fade away.