FC Steaua București took a significant step towards the UEFA Champions League play-offs as two goals from teenager Gabriel Iancu earned them a 2-0 win at FC Dinamo Tbilisi.
Goalkeeper Ciprian Tătărușanu played his part in the success, saving a Xisco penalty just after the hour mark, and half-time substitute Iancu took full advantage, scoring in the 64th and 80th minutes to leave the Georgian champions with a substantial task if they are to make it through to the next stage.
Stefan Nikolić had the first meaningful chance of the game, drawing a save from Dinamo's Giorgi Loria after 26 minutes, but the home side gave as good as they got. Tătărușanu saved Giorgi Merebashvili's shot after a brisk Dinamo counterattack, with Elguja Grigalashvili unable to find the net with the loose ball. Levan Khmaladze then headed off target from Giorgi Seturidze's cross from the right.
Adrian Popa went close early in the second half, but Dinamo defender Ustaritz went closer still, however Steaua's goalkeeper was alert to the Spaniard's fine header from compatriot Xisco's cross. Xisco then missed his cue, Tătărușanu saving his spot kick after Steaua were penalised for a handball in the box.
Iancu put the visitors ahead within three minutes, beating Loria after Darko Glisic lost possession, and while Łukasz SzukuĄa conspired to miss the target with a header from three metres minutes later, Steaua were not to be denied a second, 19-year-old Iancu profiting from Cristian Tănase's ball from the left. It might have ended even worse for Dinamo had Tănase's late effort not struck the frame of the goal. [uefa.com] |
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