FCM Ungheni 5-2 CF Sparta Selemet: Hosts Run Riot in Moldovan Liga 1 Goal Fest

FCM Ungheni produced a devastating attacking display to beat CF Sparta Selemet 5-2 in the Moldovan Liga 1 on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The home side scored three times before half-time and never looked back, securing a convincing victory that will boost their confidence and goal difference in equal measure.

Match Overview

Ungheni came out with intent and took the lead inside five minutes through Ion Rusu, who pounced on a defensive error and finished confidently. The home side doubled their advantage when Mihai Ceban headed home from a corner, and Rusu added his second with a clinical strike from the edge of the box. Sparta Selemet pulled one back just before the break through Sergiu Toma, giving them a glimmer of hope.

Any thoughts of a comeback were quickly extinguished early in the second half. Andrei Popovici restored Ungheni’s three-goal cushion with a fine individual effort, and although Denis Cebotari scored a second for Sparta, Victor Lungu completed the scoring late on to make it 5-2. It was a performance full of energy, movement, and clinical finishing from the hosts.

Key Moments

• 5th minute – Ungheni 1-0: Ion Rusu intercepted a loose back-pass and slotted the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper.
• 28th minute – Ungheni 2-0: Mihai Ceban rose highest at the near post to power a header into the roof of the net from a corner.
• 34th minute – Ungheni 3-0: Ion Rusu doubled his tally with a low drive from 18 yards that found the bottom corner.
• 45+1st minute – Ungheni 3-1: Sergiu Toma gave Sparta a lifeline with a smart finish after a quick free-kick caught Ungheni napping.
• 61st minute – Ungheni 4-1: Andrei Popovici dribbled past two defenders and squeezed a shot inside the far post.
• 77th minute – Ungheni 4-2: Denis Cebotari converted from close range after a goalmouth scramble.
• 88th minute – Ungheni 5-2: Victor Lungu completed the rout with a composed finish on the counter-attack.

Tactical Story

Ungheni lined up in an adventurous 4-3-3, with their wingers hugging the touchline to stretch Sparta’s defence. The midfield trio pressed high and won the ball back quickly, allowing the front three to attack against a disorganised back line. The early goals forced Sparta to come out and play, which only created more space for Ungheni to exploit.

Sparta Selemet tried to build through midfield, but they were overwhelmed by Ungheni’s intensity. Their two goals came from set-pieces and a momentary lapse in concentration, but defensively they were porous all evening. The gap in quality between the two sides was evident, especially in the final third, where Ungheni were far more ruthless.

Standout Players

Ion Rusu was the star of the show for FCM Ungheni. His two goals were taken with real quality, and his movement caused Sparta’s centre-backs problems throughout. Mihai Ceban dominated the aerial battle and added a goal to a commanding midfield display. Andrei Popovici was a constant creative threat, and his solo goal was arguably the pick of the bunch.

For Sparta Selemet, Sergiu Toma and Denis Cebotari deserve credit for their goals and persistence. Toma’s finish was sharp, and Cebotari kept fighting until the end. However, the defensive unit as a whole will want to forget this performance quickly.

Table and Season Impact

The three points lift FCM Ungheni up the Moldovan Liga 1 standings and give their goal difference a significant boost. Scoring five goals in a single match is a statement of intent, and it will make other teams take notice. For CF Sparta Selemet, it is a heavy defeat that leaves them with plenty of work to do at the back.

Ungheni will look to carry this attacking momentum into their next fixtures, while Sparta must regroup and address their defensive organisation. In a league where goal difference can decide final positions, this result could prove valuable for Ungheni by the end of the season.