Romanian title holders Otelul Galati have managed to reconfirm the result obtained last season, defeating Romanian Cup winners Steaua Bucharest on Sunday evening and thus winning the Romanian Supercup. Otelul won through the goal scored by Bus (14th minute).
Each team lost one important piece in first 10 minutes: Giurgiu for Otelul and Tanase for Steaua, both being injured. The first goal opportunity belonged to Steaua, through Galamaz, who shot weak from a few meters, goalkeeper Grahovac having no problems (6). Five minutes later, Otelul managed to open the score, after a free kick crossed by Salageanu, but the goal was cancelled because Paraschiv was in off-side position.
Eventually Otelul did score in 14th minute, through Laurentiu Bus, with a beautiful shot from the edge of the box, to long corner, after a nice personal action: 1-0.
Otelul continued to control the game and were about to increase the advantage in 33rd minute, but Ibeh, left alone in the box, hit the bar. Rusescu responded one minute later with a shot from angle, but keeper Grahovac rejected.
After the break Steaua weren't more dangerous, their first opportunity coming in 64th minute, when Gardos couldn't shoot from the edge of small box, goalkeeper Grahovac being careful anyway.
Antal shot beautiful from volley, but Gardos managed to block the ball which was going to the empty net (79), keeper Tătărușanu being out. Pena wasted another good opportunity for Otelul in 88th minute, when the ball lobbed by him passed over the cross bar, then Ibeh (89) missed too, being alone with the goalkeeper of Steaua.
The last opportunity belonged to Steaua, through Tatu, in additional time, but he resumed over the post at a corner where the "red-blues" attacked with keeper Tatarusanu too.
Dorinel Munteanu, coach of Otelul Galati: "I am very happy that we got the Supercup. We played well and we deserved this victory. We dominated the first half, when we could score more goals, but second half was more balanced. We have a good squad, this thing being proved by Viglianti, who had to replace Giurgiu and made a good game. I thank to the 2000 fans of Otelul who made an extraordynary atmosphere in Piatra Neamt".
Ronny Levy, coach of Steaua: "I am disappointed that we started the season with a defeat. After the goal we tried to level the score, but we couldn't find the right solution. It's obvious we need 3-4 players at this moment. We don't have enough strikers. I believe that everybody understands we still need some players. We have to do something as fast as possible". |