Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:30 p.m. / Updated Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:36 p.m.
Adrian Popa (37 years old), the “military” player from The starspoke after the victory in Ghencea against him CSM Slatinascore 2-1. Popa emphasized that the team had to pick themselves up after the three consecutive defeats, that every match in League 2 is difficult and that the objective remains to qualify for the play-offs.
The “Militarii” had an excellent first half, in which the Spanish striker Rubio managed a “double” in the 24th and 40th minutes. In the 81st minute, Emilian Pacionel, a former player for both Oprița and FCSB, converted an 11-meter shot with emotion and set the final score.
Adi Popa, after CSA Steaua 2-1 Slatina: “There is no easy match in League 2”
“Hard-earned win, our confidence was shaken, we were coming off three losses in a row, which never happened. It's good that we won, we're in our handsWell, with six points from the next two matches, we have a good chance for the play-offs.
The results were pressing us, even if we don't have the right to promotion. We don't have to be the butt of the beatings, anyone can take points with us. There is no easy match in League 2, Dumbrăvița, Bistrita beat us here, each fighting for the goal.
We ended up struggling, we have to finish it. With six points we are in the play-offs, that's our goal”, said Popa, according to digisport.ro.
CSA Steaua, on the play-out spot
Adi Popa is on his second adventure at CSA Steaua, after playing for CS Buftea, Gloria Buzău, FC Timișoara, U Cluj, Concordia Chiajna, FCSB, Reading, Ludogoreț Razgrad, Al Taawon, FC Voluntari and Academica Clinceni.
Thanks to this success, the “military” climbed to the 7th place, with 33 points, tied with the last position in the play-off, but with one more game played. For the Armatei club, the next trip is from Afumați, Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 a.m.
