FC Voluntari II claimed a 2-1 away victory over Oxigen Bucuresti in Romanian Liga III on 25 September 2026, coming from behind to take all three points in an Ilfov derby that showcased the growing maturity of Voluntari's reserve side.

Oxigen Bucuresti started brightly and led early, but the visitors' superior fitness and sharper decision-making in the final half-hour turned the contest decisively in their favour. It is a result that underlines the value of Voluntari's youth pipeline, with several academy players again featuring prominently for the second team.

Match overview

The hosts began with high intensity, pressing Voluntari II's defenders aggressively and looking to force mistakes in the build-up. It worked almost immediately. Oxigen's forwards hunted in pairs, cut off the short passing lanes, and generated a series of turnovers in dangerous areas.

Voluntari II weathered that opening spell and gradually imposed their own rhythm. Their midfield trio began to find space between Oxigen's lines, and as the match wore on, the younger legs of the away side clearly told. The winning goal, arriving in the second half, was the product of sustained territorial pressure rather than a single moment of brilliance.

Key moments

• 1-0 Oxigen Bucuresti: The hosts took the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour, Vlad Nedelcu finishing from the edge of the area after a hurried clearance fell kindly for him.
• Voluntari respond: The equaliser came before half-time, Ionut Dragomir reacting quickest to a rebound and forcing the ball over the line from close range.
• Half-time reset: Voluntari II came out after the break with a higher defensive line and pushed their full-backs further forward.
• 2-1 Voluntari II: Alexandru Pirvu scored what proved to be the winner in the second half, arriving late in the box to meet a low cross and steer it past the goalkeeper.
• Late defending: Oxigen pushed numbers forward in the closing stages but found the visiting back line resolute, with two blocks in the final minutes protecting the lead.

Tactical story

Oxigen Bucuresti's opening plan was sound but unsustainable. A high press requires total collective discipline, and once Voluntari II began switching play quickly from side to side, the home side's midfield was repeatedly dragged out of shape. The gaps that opened up in the second half were a direct consequence of that early energy expenditure.

Voluntari II's biggest improvement was in their decision-making in possession. Rather than forcing forward passes into crowded areas, they recycled the ball patiently and waited for Oxigen's block to shift. Both goals came from situations where the defence was moving rather than set — a hallmark of a well-coached attacking side.

Standout players

Dragomir was central to everything Voluntari II did well, linking play between midfield and attack and scoring the goal that changed the momentum of the match. Pirvu's timing on the winning goal was impeccable, and the goalkeeper made two sharp saves at 1-1 to keep the scoreline level.

For Oxigen, Nedelcu was the bright spot, combining his goal with a tireless work rate. Their captain drove the team forward throughout, but he was ultimately left with too much to do on his own.

Season impact

• Away win: FC Voluntari II pick up three valuable points on the road, reinforcing their reputation as one of the more technically accomplished sides in the division.
• Home frustration: Oxigen Bucuresti are left to reflect on a fourth straight match in which they have taken the lead without going on to win.
• Youth development: Another strong showing from Voluntari's younger players strengthens the argument that the reserve side is a genuine development pathway.
• What's next: Oxigen face a difficult away trip, while Voluntari II return home aiming to build on back-to-back positive results.

Local derbies in Liga III rarely follow the script, but this one did after the opening twenty minutes. Oxigen Bucuresti showed they can compete; FC Voluntari II showed they can finish the job.