Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Sunday, May 10, 2026, 12:27 / Updated Sunday, May 10, 2026 12:27
FC Bihor Oradea and CSA Steaua met on Sunday morningin a duel from the 9th stage of the League 2 play-off. The game at the “Iuliu Bodola” Stadium offered a spectacular first half, with four goals and an alert pace, the score at halftime being 2-2. The game is in progress.
Both formations are without the right to promotion in the Superleague, in the context in which the Bihorean club did not receive the license for the first echelon, and Steaua is still blocked by the form of legal organization.
PHOTO. Adi Popa, class execution in Bihor – Steaua
In the 36th minute, “Motoreta” Adrian Popa managed an exceptional execution, restoring the tie. The midfielder from Bucharest shot unstoppable from a long distance, and the ball went straight into the net, without any chance for the home goalkeeper. A goal of great days, signed by one of the veterans of the “military”.
For Popa, the success comes after a long drought. His last goal was scored on October 5, 2024, in a duel with CSM Slatina, and since 2023 he hasn't had any more appearances in which to tick off complete 90-minute matches.
Adi Popa, triple champion of Romania with FCSB
Adrian Popa is on his second adventure at CSA Steaua, after a rich career, with experiences at clubs such as CS Buftea, Gloria Buzău, FC Timișoara, Universitatea Cluj, Concordia Chiajna, FCSB, Reading, Ludogoreț Razgrad, Al Taawon, FC Voluntari and Academica Clinceni.
The midfielder has three Romanian championship titles, two Romanian Cups and a League Cup, all obtained during his time at FCSBchampion club in the last two Superliga seasons. The only international trophy in his career remains the title won in Bulgaria with Ludogorets Razgrad.
