FC Voluntari’s Super Liga frustrations continued on Friday night as Petrolul Ploiesti claimed a hard-fought 2-1 away victory at the Stadionul Anghel Iordanescu. The result, sealed with a second-half winner, gave the visitors a valuable three points in the early stages of the 2026-27 Romanian top-flight season and left the home side still searching for their first positive result of the campaign.

Match overview

Petrolul Ploiesti arrived in Ilfov County with confidence, and they started brightly. The visitors took the lead in the 23rd minute when a well-worked move down the right flank ended with a composed finish from their attacking midfielder. Voluntari responded well, though, and deservedly equalised before half-time through a powerful header from a corner, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.

The second half was a more cautious affair, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances in the final third. It was Petrolul who showed the greater composure, and their patience paid off in the 74th minute when a swift counter-attack caught the Voluntari defence out of position. The substitute forward made no mistake, slotting the ball past the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2-1 and secure all three points for the gäste.

Key moments

• 23’ – Petrolul take the lead: A slick passing sequence unlocked the Voluntari backline, and the midfielder’s clinical left-footed strike gave the goalkeeper no chance.
• 41’ – Voluntari equalise: A well-delivered corner was met with a powerful downward header from the centre-back, bringing the home side back on level terms.
• 74’ – Petrolul’s winning goal: A quick breakaway from a Voluntari attack ended with a precise finish inside the box, sparking celebrations among the travelling fans.

Tactical story

FC Voluntari set up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, looking to control possession and use their wingers to stretch the Petrolul defence. They enjoyed the majority of the ball, particularly in the first half, but struggled to create sustained pressure in the final third. Petrolul Ploiesti, meanwhile, were compact and disciplined, happy to defend in a mid-block and then spring forward with intent on the counter. The visitors’ second goal was a textbook example of that approach, punishing Voluntari for committing too many players forward late in the game.

Standout players

Among the standout performers was Petrolul’s goalscoring midfielder, who combined energy with quality in the final third and was a constant threat whenever the ball was in his area. The winning substitute also deserves special mention for making an immediate impact after coming off the bench. For FC Voluntari, the centre-back who scored the equaliser was the pick of a disappointing home display, alongside a goalkeeper who made several important stops to keep his team in the contest.

Standings and early-season impact

The win moved Petrolul Ploiesti up to third place in the early Super Liga standings, building on their positive start to the season and signalling their intent to challenge for a top-six berth. For FC Voluntari, the defeat leaves them at the bottom of the table without a point after the opening rounds, raising early questions about the team’s ability to avoid a relegation battle. The coaching staff will look for a swift reaction in the coming weeks, but the schedule offers no easy respite as they search for their first win of the campaign.