FC Otelul Galati II claimed a 2-1 win over CS Portul Constanta in Romanian Liga III on 2 October 2026, using a patient second-half push to break a stubborn opponent. The 20:00 fixture was played at the Oțelul training ground, where the home side’s younger legs and sharper pressing eventually told.

Match Overview

Portul Constanta arrived with a compact 4-4-2 and looked to frustrate the hosts early. The plan worked for 17 minutes, but it was the visitors who struck first against the run of play. A deep free-kick from the right was flicked on at the near post, and the Portul striker reacted quickest to stab the ball past the goalkeeper. Otelul Galati II responded with intent, moving the ball quickly through midfield and stretching the away defence. The equaliser arrived three minutes before half-time, when a clever overlap on the left ended with a low cross that was converted from close range. After the break, Otelul raised the tempo, and the winning goal came in the 78th minute after a recycled corner. Portul pushed for a late equaliser, but a goal-line clearance in stoppage time preserved the home win.

Key Moments

• 18' – Portul Constanta score first: A set-piece routine caught Otelul cold, with the away forward finishing from six yards.
• 42' – Otelul Galati II equalise: A flowing move down the left ended with a composed finish inside the penalty area.
• 78' – The winner: After a corner was only half-cleared, Otelul’s midfielder drove the ball back into the box and the striker turned it home.
• 90+3' – Late defensive heroics: Portul’s final attack was stopped on the line, denying a dramatic equaliser.

Tactical Story

Otelul Galati II dominated possession and used their wide players aggressively, pinning Portul back for long spells. The visitors defended deep and tried to spring counterattacks through their two forwards, a plan that brought the opening goal but became harder to sustain as the match wore on. Otelul’s substitutions added energy in central midfield, and their willingness to shoot from the edge of the box eventually forced the breakthrough. Portul’s goalkeeper kept the score respectable with several saves, but the home side’s sustained pressure was rewarded.

Standout Players

The Otelul Galati II striker was the obvious match-winner, scoring the decisive goal and unsettling the Portul defence with constant movement. In midfield, Andrei Munteanu controlled the rhythm, while the left-back delivered a constant stream of crosses. For Portul Constanta, the goalkeeper produced a strong individual display, and the opening scorer showed sharp instincts in the box. The away captain also worked tirelessly to organize a defence that spent much of the night under pressure.

Season Impact

The victory moves Otelul Galati II into a more comfortable position in the Romanian Liga III standings and continues the development side’s positive run. For CS Portul Constanta, the result is a frustrating one, especially after taking the lead, and leaves the team needing points from its next fixtures to keep pace in the table. The match also served as another reminder that Otelul’s second team can compete physically in Liga III while staying true to its possession-based identity.