FC Bacau 2-2 Cetate Suceava: Late Equalizer Denies Visitors in Four-Goal Thriller

FC Bacau and Cetate Suceava played out a 2-2 draw in Romanian Liga II on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 16:00. The match delivered four goals, a lead that changed hands, and a dramatic late equalizer as Bacau rescued a point in front of its home supporters.

Cetate Suceava had looked set to claim all three points after scoring twice in the middle portion of the game, but FC Bacau’s persistence paid off in the closing minutes. The draw leaves both teams with mixed feelings: Bacau will value the fightback, while Suceava will regret letting the win slip.

Match Overview

FC Bacau made the brighter start and took the lead in the 9th minute. Vlad Apetrei found space inside the penalty area and finished calmly after a neat passing sequence. The early goal gave the hosts confidence, and they controlled the next 20 minutes without adding a second.

Cetate Suceava responded well. The visitors began to press higher and disrupt Bacau’s rhythm, and in the 41st minute Mihai Gavrila equalized with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. The goal changed the momentum, and Suceava finished the first half as the stronger side.

After the break, Suceava took the lead. In the 63rd minute, Robert Balan converted a well-placed cross to make it 1-2. Bacau pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Suceava defended stubbornly and looked dangerous on the counter. Just when the visitors seemed likely to hold on, Ionut Cernat scored in the 88th minute, turning in a low delivery to level the match at 2-2. Neither side could find a winner in stoppage time.

Key Moments

• 9’ – Goal, FC Bacau: Vlad Apetrei opens the scoring with a composed finish.
• 41’ – Goal, Cetate Suceava: Mihai Gavrila equalizes from the edge of the area.
• 63’ – Goal, Cetate Suceava: Robert Balan converts a cross to put the visitors ahead.
• 88’ – Goal, FC Bacau: Ionut Cernat scores the late equalizer.
• 90+4’ – Final chance: Suceava sends a free-kick narrowly over the bar.

Tactical Story

FC Bacau started with an aggressive high press and were rewarded early. The home side’s midfield pushed forward to support Apetrei, creating problems for Suceava’s defence. However, as the match wore on, Bacau’s press became less coordinated, allowing Suceava to play through the lines more easily.

Cetate Suceava’s comeback was built on better control in midfield and quick switches of play. Gavrila’s equalizer came after a sustained spell of possession, while Balan’s goal highlighted Suceava’s ability to attack the back post. Bacau’s late response was a testament to its determination, with the team committing extra bodies forward and finally finding a way through.

Standout Players

Vlad Apetrei was lively throughout for FC Bacau and took his goal well. Ionut Cernat made the decisive late impact, and his movement in the box created the space for the equalizer. Midfielder Paul Dumitru worked tirelessly to keep Bacau circulating the ball, especially during the late pressure.

For Cetate Suceava, Mihai Gavrila was excellent, combining technical quality with energy. Robert Balan’s goal was well taken, and the forward was a constant threat on the break. Goalkeeper Stefan Ilie made several important saves before Bacau’s late breakthrough.

Season Impact

The draw adds another point to both clubs’ Liga II campaigns, but the emotional impact may differ. FC Bacau showed character by fighting back from a losing position, a quality that can be crucial over a long season. Cetate Suceava will be disappointed to concede so late, yet the away performance demonstrated that the team can compete with promotion-chasing opponents. Both sides remain in the thick of the second-tier race.