Steaua Bucharest secured a 8:6 victory over Sapientia U23 in the Romanian Cup on 5 September 2026. The result leaves Steaua top of the table after one game, while Sapientia U23 sit fourth with a single defeat to their name. Both sides enter the competition with something to prove, though the standings tell only part of the story — each team has played just once this season.
Steaua came into the fixture full of confidence, having won their opening match 5:2 against Chikseredi the day before. Sapientia U23, by contrast, had suffered a heavy 2:5 defeat to Győri ETO on the same date. That recent form gap showed through on the pitch. To be fair, Sapientia had shown they could compete with Steaua before — their last meeting on 28 February ended 6:4 to the visitors, but the home side had won the previous encounter 4:3.
The match itself produced plenty of action. Eight goals for Steaua and six for Sapientia suggest both teams attacked freely, though the difference was in efficiency. By then, Steaua were closing in on a deal that would put them firmly in control. The away side worked the channels well, creating chances to exploit. Sapientia U23 had nothing to lose and played accordingly, but Steaua's experience in tight situations proved decisive.
Steaua now hold the tie in their own hands as they sit one point clear at the top. Sapientia U23 face a task to climb back up the table, having started the campaign with a loss. The result extends Steaua's unbeaten run to six matches, while Sapientia's recent form has been uneven — three wins in five games before this defeat.