Chojniczanka Chojnice 1-4 Petrolul Ploiesti: Romanians Run Rampant in One-Sided Friendly

Romanian Liga I side Petrolul Ploiesti produced a dominant display to beat Polish second-tier outfit Chojniczanka Chojnice 4-1 in a pre-season International Club Friendly held on 2 July 2026. The match, played at Chojniczanka’s home ground, served as an early fitness test for both clubs, but the visitors showcased far superior sharpness and quality from the outset.

Match Overview

Petrolul Ploiesti, under new head coach Marian Pârâială, controlled proceedings almost from the first whistle. Their fluid attacking play tore through the Chojniczanka defence time and again, while the Polish side struggled to contain the pace and movement of the Romanian forwards. The final score of 4-1 flattered the hosts slightly, as Petrolul missed several clear chances.

Key Moments

• 8th minute – Petrolul break the deadlock: A clever through ball from midfielder Andrei Neagoe split the defence, allowing striker Alexandru Bălan to slot calmly past the goalkeeper.
• 22nd minute – Second goal arrives: Left-back Valentin Țicu met a corner with a thumping header to double the lead.
• 35th minute – Chojniczanka pull one back: A rare error in the Petrolul defence allowed home forward Kamil Kortawski to bundle in from close range.
• 40th minute – Petrolul restore two-goal cushion: Winger Cristian Cherăscu curled a beautiful shot into the top corner from the edge of the box.
• 65th minute – Fifth goal seals the rout: Substitute midfielder Răzvan Bucur capped a fine team move with a composed finish.

Tactical Story

Chojniczanka Chojnice set up in a cautious 5-3-2, hoping to absorb pressure and hit on the break. However, Petrolul’s high press and quick passing soon exposed the gaps between the lines. The Romanian side’s 4-3-3 shape allowed them to overload the flanks, and the full-backs pushed high to create numerical advantages. Chojniczanka’s goal came against the run of play, but they rarely threatened after that as Petrolul tightened up defensively.

Standout Performers

• Alexandru Bălan (Petrolul): The striker was a constant menace, scoring the opener and assisting another.
• Cristian Cherăscu (Petrolul): His brilliant curler was the highlight of the match, and his dribbling unsettled the home defence all evening.
• Kamil Kortawski (Chojniczanka): One of the few bright spots for the hosts, his poacher’s goal showed good instinct.

Season Impact

For Petrolul Ploiesti, this comprehensive win builds confidence ahead of their Liga I season opener. The new system under Pârâială appears to be taking shape, with attacking patterns already looking sharp. Chojniczanka Chojnice, meanwhile, have work to do defensively before their II liga campaign begins. Coach Maciej Bąk will likely focus on defensive organisation after this heavy defeat.

Attendance was estimated at around 1,200.