Football lovers in Romania had the opportunity to see the 2006 UEFA Greats at work again, the members of the FCSB and Rapid teams that clashed in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Cup.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the achievement of the most important Romanian performance after the year 2000, the teams from that time came together and played a demonstration match at the “Arc de Triumf” arena, under the gaze of approximately 2,300 spectators.
In the spring of 2006, the two teams drew 1-1 on Rapid's field, the goals being scored by Bănel Nicoliță and Viorel Moldovan. In the second leg, it was 0-0 and FCSB progressed on away goals, a rule that has since been removed from football.
PHOTO GALLERY. What the 2006 UEFA fantastics look like in 2026
Many of the former players have enviable figures 20 years after their great performance.
Mirel Rădoi, Carlosm Marius Măldărășanu, Florin Lovin, Ovidiu Petre, Ionuț Rada, Vasile Maftei, Daniel Pancu and Bănel Nicoliță look almost the same as when they were professional footballers.
At the opposite pole, there are also some names that took it easy on the sport after retirement and did not pass the “scale test”.
Romeo Stancu, Victoraș Iacob, Andrei Cristea, Daniel Niculae, Viorel Moldovan, Mugurel Buga, Sorin Ghionea, Valentin Negru and Mihai Mincă are on the list.
The starting teams for the demonstration match:
FCSB: Carlos – Ogăraru, Ghinea, Goian, P. Marin – Oprița, Rădoi, Paraschiv, Nicoliță – An. Cristea, I mean
Coach: Cosmin Olăroiu
Rapid: D. Coman – M. Constantin, V. Maftei, Rada – Badoi, E. Dică, Ilyeş, Artion Karamian – Buga, V. Moldovan, D. Niculae
Coach: Răzvan Lucescu
