SCM Ramnicu Valcea edged FC Bihor Oradea 3-2 in a pulsating Romanian Liga II encounter on Sunday, 20 September 2026, at the Stadionul Municipal. The home side twice surrendered a lead before a late Cristian Dumitru strike sealed all three points in front of a passionate crowd. The result lifts Valcea into the promotion play-off places, while Bihor Oradea are left to rue a spirited but ultimately fruitless away performance.

Match Overview

Both teams entered the match with contrasting ambitions. Valcea, traditionally strong at home, were looking to build momentum after a mixed start to the campaign. Bihor Oradea, meanwhile, were searching for consistency on the road. The visitors started brightly and took a shock lead in the 12th minute when Alexandru Radu latched onto a through ball and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper. Valcea responded well, dominating possession and equalising just before the half-hour mark through Andrei Popescu, who headed home a precise cross from the left.

The second half was end-to-end. Valcea took the lead for the first time in the 54th minute when Mihai Ionescu curled a shot into the far corner from the edge of the box. But Bihor refused to lie down, and Sergiu Munteanu levelled in the 78th minute with a powerful strike from distance. Just when it seemed the points would be shared, Valcea won a corner in the 88th minute, and Cristian Dumitru rose highest to power a header into the net, sending the home supporters into raptures.

Key Moments

• 12' – Goal (Bihor): Alexandru Radu opens the scoring after a quick counter-attack.
• 28' – Goal (Valcea): Andrei Popescu heads in from close range.
• 54' – Goal (Valcea): Mihai Ionescu curls a beautiful effort into the bottom corner.
• 78' – Goal (Bihor): Sergiu Munteanu equalises with a stunning long-range strike.
• 88' – Goal (Valcea): Cristian Dumitru scores the winner from a corner.

Tactical Story

Valcea set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, looking to control the midfield through their captain and creative hub, Andrei Popescu. They pushed their full-backs high, creating overloads on the flanks, which led to both of their first two goals. Bihor Oradea deployed a 4-4-2 system, relying on quick transitions and the pace of their strikers. For large periods, that worked well, but defensive lapses from set-pieces proved costly. Valcea's manager made a key substitution in the 70th minute, bringing on an extra attacker, which ultimately tipped the balance in their favour.

Standout Players

• Cristian Dumitru (SCM Ramnicu Valcea): The match-winner was a constant threat in the air and took his goal with real composure.
• Andrei Popescu (SCM Ramnicu Valcea): Scored one and assisted another, dictating the tempo throughout.
• Sergiu Munteanu (FC Bihor Oradea): His equaliser was a moment of individual brilliance, and he never stopped running.

Season Impact

With this win, SCM Ramnicu Valcea climb to fourth in the Liga II standings, firmly in the hunt for promotion. FC Bihor Oradea remain in mid-table, but their performance suggests they will be a tough opponent for anyone. Next up, Valcea travel to face a direct rival, while Bihor host a struggling side as they look to return to winning ways.