In a vital clash for survival in the Superliga, Unirea Slobozia faced Hermannstadt at the “1 Mai” Stadium. This match marked an important moment as both teams aimed to secure valuable points in their relegation battle. The match commenced at 14:32 on January 31, 2026.
Match Overview
This crucial match took place during the 24th round of the Superliga season. It was broadcast live on PrimaSport 1 and DigiSport 1, while VAR technology was not in use for this event.
Match Highlights
- 12th Minute: Unirea Slobozia scored first, with Renato Espinosa finding the net after a great assist from Albu.
- 29th Minute: Hermannstadt equalized when Christ Afalna scored after a rebound, despite pressure from the Unirea defense.
- 33rd Minute: Chițu put Hermannstadt ahead with a superb finish in the box.
- 36th Minute: Afalna netted his second goal, extending Hermannstadt’s lead.
Current Season Performance
Both teams were struggling early in 2026. Heading into this match, Unirea Slobozia was 12th in the league, just above the relegation playoff zone, with 21 points after 23 matches. Conversely, Hermannstadt sat at 15th place with only 14 points, facing a serious threat of relegation.
Team Line-ups
| Unirea Slobozia (4-3-3) | Hermannstadt (4-3-3) |
|---|---|
| Rusu | Căbuz |
| Dorobanțu | Stancu |
| Safronov | Căpușă |
| Antoche | Issah |
| Tsoungui | Ciubotaru |
| Albu | Florescu |
| Lungu | Ivanov |
| Papeau | Dr. Albu |
| Bărbuț | Chițu |
| Espinosa | Afalna |
| Dragu | Neguț |
Coaches’ Statements
Before the match, both coaches expressed the importance of the game. Dorinel Munteanu, Hermannstadt’s coach, emphasized the need for concentration to overcome the recent poor performances. He hinted at a strategy to leverage home support and aimed to collect points.
Jean Vlădoiu, coach of Unirea Slobozia, acknowledged the team’s need for points with three matches upcoming that week. He reported that his squad was fully prepared to fight for a positive result.
Historical Context
Previously, these teams met only four times in the Superliga, with both securing one win each and two matches ending in draws. In their last encounter on September 15, 2025, Unirea secured a 2-0 victory. Each team was seeking their first win of 2026.
Key Statistics
- Unirea Slobozia has utilized 21 local players out of 32 this season.
- Hermannstadt has committed the fewest fouls in the league, with only 226.
- Both teams’ performances in the current season demonstrate a struggle for consistent results, with Unirea earning one win in their last 13 matches.
This match could significantly impact both teams’ standings and momentum as they strive to avoid relegation from the Superliga.
