A seven-goal thriller unfolded in the Moldovan Liga 1 on 9 May 2026 as Real Sireti edged FC Ursidos Stauceni 4-3 in a pulsating contest at the Sireti Municipal Stadium. The match had everything: early goals, a spirited fightback, a red card, and a late winner that secured a vital victory for the home side in their pursuit of a promotion playoff spot.

Match Overview

Real Sireti started with real intent and raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes. Striker Ion Popescu opened the scoring in the 8th minute after a defensive mix-up, and midfielder Vadim Cojocaru doubled the advantage with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box. Ursidos Stauceni looked shell-shocked, but they gradually worked their way into the game.

The visitors pulled one back just before the half-hour mark through a powerful header from defender Alexandru Bivol. The goal gave Ursidos belief, and they equalised just five minutes later when a quick counter-attack ended with winger Denis Calugher finishing coolly. The first half ended 2-2, setting the stage for a breathless second period.

Second Half Drama

Real Sireti regained the lead in the 55th minute when Popescu scored his second of the game, this time a sharp turn and finish from inside the box. However, Ursidos refused to lie down. They equalised for the second time in the 72nd minute through substitute Maxim Istrati, who turned in a cross at the near post. The game was finely poised at 3-3.

The turning point came in the 78th minute when Ursidos were reduced to ten men after a reckless challenge from their centre-back earned a second yellow card. Real Sireti immediately pushed forward and were rewarded in the 84th minute. A corner kick was headed goalwards by defender Andrei Cebotari, and although the Ursidos goalkeeper made a fine save, the ball fell to midfielder Eugeniu Munteanu, who slammed it into the roof of the net for the decisive 4-3 lead.

Key Performers

• Ion Popescu (Real Sireti): The striker’s double kept his side in control during key phases, showing sharp finishing instincts throughout.
• Eugeniu Munteanu (Real Sireti): Scored the crucial late winner and was a tireless presence in midfield, driving his team forward when it mattered most.
• Denis Calugher (Ursidos): Provided a constant threat on the wing and scored a fine goal, but his team ultimately couldn’t hold on.

Table Context

The victory lifted Real Sireti into 4th place in the Moldovan Liga 1 standings, keeping them firmly in the hunt for a promotion playoff berth. For FC Ursidos Stauceni, the defeat was a blow to their own ambitions, leaving them in 7th position and with work to do in the remaining matches. This was a chaotic, beautiful game of football—a reminder that Moldovan Liga 1 is never short of entertainment.