Unirea Alba Iulia (W) 1–2 Gloria 2018 Bistrița-Năsăud Women: Late Drama Secures Crucial Win for Visitors

In the Romanian SuperLiga Feminină, Gloria 2018 Bistrița-Năsăud Women rallied from a goal down to defeat Unirea Alba Iulia Women 2–1 at the Stadionul Cetate on 24 May 2026. The victory propelled Gloria into third place in the standings, while Unirea remained in the lower half of the table, still searching for consistency.

The opening half was a tense, tactical affair with both sides cautious in possession. Unirea Alba Iulia took the lead against the run of play in the 36th minute when forward Ana Maria Popa latched onto a loose ball inside the penalty area and slotted home past Gloria goalkeeper Ioana Ciobotaru. The goal was Popa's fifth of the season, and it gave the home side a slender advantage at the break.

Gloria came out with renewed energy after the restart, pushing higher up the pitch and forcing Unirea into defensive errors. The equaliser arrived in the 63rd minute through a well-worked team move: midfielder Andreea Vasile played a one-two with attacker Laura Moldovan before drilling a low shot into the far corner. The goal shifted momentum firmly in Gloria's favour.

Decisive moment and final push

Unirea had a golden opportunity to reclaim the lead in the 75th minute when they were awarded a penalty after a handball in the box, but striker Cristina Stoica saw her spot-kick saved by Ciobotaru, who dived to her left to keep the ball out. That proved to be a pivotal moment.

Gloria capitalised on the momentum swing in the 81st minute. A swift counter-attack caught Unirea's defence flat-footed, and substitute Elena Istrate was on hand to tap in a cross from the right wing, silencing the home crowd and putting the visitors ahead.

Unirea pushed for an equaliser in the final minutes, but Gloria's backline held firm, with Ciobotaru making one more crucial save in stoppage time to preserve the victory.

League impact

• Gloria 2018 Bistrița-Năsăud Women: The win lifted them to 31 points, moving above ACS Femeia Oradea into third place, strengthening their credentials for a potential title challenge.
• Unirea Alba Iulia (W): Remained in 7th place with 18 points, now eight points adrift of the top four. The loss was their fifth at home this season.

Gloria's comeback was built on a strong second-half performance and the depth of their squad, with substitutes making a decisive impact. Their ability to turn around a deficit against a resilient Unirea side will give them confidence ahead of a crucial home fixture against league leaders Farul Constanța.

Unirea Alba Iulia, meanwhile, will be left to rue the missed penalty and defensive lapses that cost them valuable points. They face a challenging away trip to Universitatea Galati next weekend.

The Romanian SuperLiga Feminină continues to provide intense competition, and both teams will be eager to bounce back in their respective campaigns.