Around 6,000 Steaua fans packed the Ghencea stands, ready to celebrate their team’s second-division triumph. But instead of a party, they witnessed a bitter twist, as CSM Reșița spoiled the festivities with a surprise 2–0 win.
Despite the loss, FC Argeș and Steaua finished the season in direct promotion spots. However, for the second time in four years, Steaua can’t advance to the Superliga — not due to results on the pitch, but because of outdated, discriminatory regulations and political maneuvering that continues to favor a controversial top-flight club.
On the pitch, the hosts started strong, creating their first major opportunity in the 8th minute. Iglesias burst through the defense and was brought down just outside the box. Matei stepped up for the free kick and sent a powerful shot narrowly over the bar.
But it was Reșița who drew first blood in the 16th minute, capitalizing on a defensive blunder. The Steaua center-backs lost track of Samake, who raced through unchallenged and calmly slotted past Frănculescu to silence the home crowd.
Steaua responded with mounting pressure. In the 28th minute, Matei whipped in a dangerous low cross, which Reșița goalkeeper Căpățînă managed to punch away. Răsdan came close in the 35th minute with a first-time volley skimmed past the post. Just minutes later, Reșița nearly doubled their lead, as Gașpar squandered a golden chance from close range.
The hosts had one last big chance before the break. Matei delivered a pinpoint free kick into the box, finding Răsdan, who directed a header straight at the keeper — a squandered opportunity in a crucial moment.
The second half fizzled out with Reșița firmly in charge, while the red-and-blues couldn’t muster a single clear chance. The visitors sealed the deal in the 76th minute as Ianis Doană struck from the left side of the box, just minutes after coming off the bench.
