Politehnica Timisoara football team won 2-0 (0-0) against Gloria Lunca Teuz Cermei in the 16th round of the 3rd League, in the first official match of the year. Thanks to this victory, the young white-violet team qualified mathematically in the play-off, with two rounds before the end of the regular season.

With Radu Ciurel at left-stopper and Olariu at the closing line, the hosts had chances through Pamfile (min. 6, from a free kick, but the goalkeeper saved in the corner) and Mura (min. 17, shot from the penalty area into the goalkeeper’s arms following a Curescu effort). The Arădennes hit back in the 20th minute when Murariu saved a header from a corner. In the 42nd minute, today’s Polist captain intervenes extraordinarily, with a header from 6 m.

The match was decided in the second half. In the 51st minute, Curescu breaks free on the left in his characteristic style and fires past the goalkeeper to open the scoring. In the 59th minute, Olariu recovers a ball and shoots from 25 yards, 2-0. The last scoring chance of the match goes to goal scorer David Popa, who shoots just over from a free kick (76th minute).

The visitors fielded two former players. They are goalkeeper Balica, a junior on loan from Poli, and striker Sîntean.

Politehnica: Murariu (c) – Haloș, Vlaicu, R. Ciurel, Pamfile – Pruna (83, D. Ciurel), Olariu, Oprea (89, Rotariu) – Curescu (83, Adamcsik), D. Popa, Mura (70, Istratie) Reserves: Miklos – Rosu. Coach: Paul Codrea.