UTA Arad 4–0 ACS Dumbravita
International Club Friendly
27 June 2026, 16:00 local time

UTA Arad began their pre-season preparations in emphatic style, thrashing Romanian lower-league side ACS Dumbravita 4–0 in a friendly played at the Stadionul Francisc von Neuman. The home side dominated from start to finish, showcasing their attacking depth ahead of the new campaign.

Match Overview

With the game arranged as a fitness-building exercise for UTA Arad, the visitors struggled to contain the superior quality of their hosts. UTA opened the scoring inside 10 minutes when striker Andrei Popescu bundled in a rebound after a saved shot. They doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark through a powerful header from central defender Vlad Chiricheș following a corner.

The second half saw UTA continue to press, and they added two more goals through substitutes. Winger Ioan Gherasim curled in a beautiful free kick in the 58th minute, and young forward Mihai Radu completed the scoring with a composed finish in the 74th minute after a sweeping counter-attack. ACS Dumbravita hardly threatened, managing just one shot on target all game.

Key Moments

• 9' – Goal: Andrei Popescu taps in from close range to open the scoring.
• 27' – Goal: Vlad Chiricheș nods home from a corner to make it 2–0.
• 58' – Goal: Ioan Gherasim's wonderful free kick leaves the goalkeeper with no chance.
• 74' – Goal: Mihai Radu slots home after a fast break.

Standout Performers

Andrei Popescu led the line effectively, his movement causing constant problems for the Dumbravita defence. Vlad Chiricheș was a rock at the back and dangerous from set pieces. Midfielder Alexandru Băluță pulled the strings in midfield, dictating the tempo and providing two assists.

For ACS Dumbravita, goalkeeper Darius Ionescu made several saves to prevent an even heavier defeat, while left-back Răzvan Mihai showed occasional glimpses of promise going forward.

Pre-Season Significance

For UTA Arad, the friendly serves as an ideal first step in their preparation for the upcoming Liga I season. Manager Ionuț Zăvoi will be pleased with the sharpness and intensity shown, especially from the bench. ACS Dumbravita, competing in the third tier, used the match to test themselves against higher-level opposition and will take lessons from the experience. Both sides are expected to continue their friendly schedules in the coming weeks.