Europa League preview: FC Steaua Bucuresti scouting report
Liverpool open their Europa League Group stage adventure tonight by welcoming Romanian side FC Steaua Bucuresti. Karl Sears has the low-down on the Reds' opponents.
What's Steaua Bucuresti's pedigree?
Despite being a relatively new team, formed in 1947, Steaua Bucuresti have had more than their fair share of success. The 'Militarii' (Army Men) can proudly boast 23 Romanian league titles (not to mention 13 second-place finishes). They have also played in 27 Romanian Cup finals, winning 20, and have the honor of being the first Eastern European side to win the European Cup when they beat Barcelona in 1986. That game finished 0-0 and astoundingly, Steaua's goalkeeper Helmut Duckadem saved all four of Barcelona's spot kicks to win the game for the Romanians. He was rightfully dubbed 'The Hero of Seville'.
How are they doing at the moment?
Well. Steaua Bucuresti are involved in a three way tie for top spot in the Romanian Liga 1, sitting behind neighbors Dinamo Bucuresti and Rapid Bucuresti on goal difference. Steaua have racked up four wins from their first seven games. Their only defeat came in their last match against Unirea Urziceni, where they lost 1-0. Steaua have recorded solid results against struggling opposition and have a healthy goal difference of +5.
How did they get to this stage of the Europa League?
Steaua finished fourth behind CFR Cluj, Unirea Urziceni and Vaslui in the tightly-fought 2009-10 Liga 1 season and thus qualified straight into the Europa League Play-Off round. After winning 1-0 at home and losing 1-0 away to Grasshopper Club Zurich, they eventually triumphed 4-3 in the ensuing penalty shoot-out.
Who are the danger men?
Strikers Bogdan Stancu and Romeo Surdu have eight of Steaua's 11 league goals between them. Highly-rated 19 year-old midfielder Mihai Radut has started in all seven of Steaua's league games and was awarded his first international cap when Romania called him up in June.
What else can I impress them down the pub with?
Steaua Bucuresti is actually a sports society that includes volleyball, shooting, judo, water polo and basketball teams. They all compete under the 'Steaua Bucuresti' banner, so to avoid confusion when referring to the football club, ensure you put 'FC' first.
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