CSM Slatina 2-1 Selimbar: Home Side Holds On for Important Liga II Win

CSM Slatina defeated Selimbar 2-1 in Romanian Liga II on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 16:00, using an early goal and a second-half winner to secure a valuable home victory. Selimbar responded well after falling behind and equalized before the interval, but Slatina’s persistence in the final third proved decisive.

The win gives CSM Slatina another boost in the second tier and reinforces its reputation as a difficult opponent at home. Selimbar, meanwhile, will rue missed chances after producing a competitive away performance that deserved more than a single goal.

Match Overview

Slatina began the match brightly and took the lead in the 8th minute. Robert Gherghe reacted quickest inside the penalty area after a scrambled clearance, stabbing the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. The early goal settled the hosts, who kept possession well and forced Selimbar to defend deep.

Selimbar gradually found its rhythm. The visitors pressed higher, won the ball in midfield, and created several promising transitions. Their reward came in the 33rd minute when Andrei Pavel finished a flowing move with a precise strike into the bottom corner. That goal changed the mood of the game, and Selimbar finished the first half with momentum.

The second half was more cautious. Both teams understood the value of the next goal, and clear chances became rarer. Slatina regained control around the hour mark, and in the 67th minute Alexandru Dinu scored what proved to be the winner, arriving late in the box to convert a low cross. Selimbar pushed for another equalizer, but Slatina defended its lead with discipline.

Key Moments

• 8’ – Goal, Slatina: Robert Gherghe scores from close range after a defensive scramble.
• 33’ – Goal, Selimbar: Andrei Pavel equalizes with a composed finish.
• 67’ – Goal, Slatina: Alexandru Dinu converts a cross to restore the home lead.
• 86’ – Chance, Selimbar: A header flashes just wide as the visitors chase a late equalizer.

Tactical Story

CSM Slatina lined up with a flexible midfield that allowed it to dominate possession early. The home side looked to attack through the half-spaces, with Gherghe and Dinu rotating to pull Selimbar’s centre-backs out of position. That approach produced the opening goal and several half-chances.

Selimbar’s response was centered on quick counterattacks. By dropping its wingers deeper and then springing forward at speed, the away side troubled Slatina before half-time. In the second period, however, Slatina adjusted by protecting the middle more carefully and forcing Selimbar into wide areas. The tactical tweak limited the visitors’ best route back into the match.

Standout Players

Robert Gherghe set the tone for Slatina with his early goal and constant movement. Alexandru Dinu delivered the decisive contribution, and his late run into the box showed the kind of timing that separates tight Liga II matches. Central defender Ionut Marcu also deserves credit for a series of clearances in the closing stages.

Selimbar’s Andrei Pavel was the visitors’ best player. His equalizer was well taken, and he linked play intelligently between midfield and attack. Goalkeeper Vlad Constantin kept Selimbar in the contest with two strong saves after the break.

Season Impact

The three points lift CSM Slatina’s confidence and strengthen its position in the Liga II table. A home win over a direct rival can be significant in a division where consistency is often the difference between promotion contention and mid-table drift. Selimbar remains competitive, but narrow away defeats like this can hurt in the race for points. The team’s response in the coming fixtures will be closely watched.