CSA Steaua București 1-0 Gloria Popesti-Leordeni
International Club Friendly – July 25, 2026

CSA Steaua București edged local lower-league side Gloria Popesti-Leordeni 1-0 in a tightly contested pre-season friendly. The match, played at a training complex, gave Steaua’s coaching staff a chance to evaluate squad depth and fitness levels ahead of the new Romanian Liga II campaign.

A Single Goal Decides It

The only goal of the game arrived in the 31st minute. Steaua won a free kick in a dangerous area, and the resulting delivery was met by a towering header that looped over the Gloria goalkeeper. Despite the relatively low profile of the opposition, Steaua’s players showed good professionalism in maintaining their shape throughout.

Gloria, who compete in the third tier, defended resolutely for much of the match. They had a golden opportunity to equalize early in the second half when a quick break left a striker one-on-one with the Steaua keeper, but the shot was dragged wide.

Second-Half Stalemate

Steaua controlled possession after the break but rarely threatened to add a second goal. The coaching staff made several substitutions, rotating younger players into the lineup. The match served its purpose as a fitness exercise, with no injuries reported.

Gloria can take heart from their disciplined display, particularly their defensive organization, which frustrated Steaua at times.

Match Notes

• Steaua will now intensify their preparations with a higher-profile friendly later in the week.
• Gloria return to their own pre-season schedule with valuable minutes under their belts.
• Set pieces proved decisive; Steaua’s aerial threat was a key factor.

For supporters of both clubs, this friendly offered a first glimpse of how their teams are shaping up for the upcoming season.