Articol de GSP - Publicat joi, 16 decembrie 2010 00:00
Steaua narrowly missed the knock-out round of the Europa League, losing their place in the next phase in the closing moments of the match against Napoli. A heroic match that ended in disaster for the Romanian side who once again conceded a goal in stoppage time from Napoli.
Lăcătuş blocked perfectly Napoli's attempts for more than 90 minutes, until Cavani hit without mercy, just like in the first leg held in Bucharest.
Romanian Liga 1 seventh place fought against one of Serie A's top 3 teams. Steaua had the advantage in the group ranking and went to Napoli hoping to produce a european miracle that would have saved it's first half of the season. The opponents: Hamsik, Cavani, Maggio, players that helped Napoli win matches against Italy's top teams Milan, Juventus and Inter Milano.
Bad luck
Steaua played a good game and was more organized compared to recent matches. The home side only attacked through its supporters. Ricardo found himself in an excelent position outside the penalty area but failed to score. Geraldo pulled a great header put De Sanctis managed to save it.
Time was passing slowly
Cavani ruined most of his team's attacking plays helping Geraldo and Martinovici do control Steaua's defensive line. The table remained the same and Lacatus only could look at it from the bench just like a gambler looks at the final moments of his last match away from winning a huge bet.
Again Cavani
Fate seemed to be on Steaua's side with Tatarusanu managing miracles in front of the goal and Anghelov's tackle after tackle. Steaua's effort and mind kept Napoli out of Europe. Until he struck. Cavani came out of nowhere and pulled a fantastic header in stoppage time to take Napoli in the knock-out round of the Europa League.
Group K
1. Liverpool 6 2 4 0 8-3 10p
2. Napoli 6 1 4 1 8-9 7p
3. Steaua 6 1 3 2 9-11 6p
4. Utrecht 6 0 5 1 5-7 5p
Results: Napoli - Utrecht 0-0, Liverpool - Steaua 4-1, Steaua - Napoli 3-3, Utrecht - Liverpool 0-0, Napoli - Liverpool 0-0, Utrecht - Steaua 1-1, Steaua - Utrecht 3-1, Liverpool - Napoli 3-1; Steaua- Liverpool 1-1, Utrecht - Napoli 3-3, Napoli - Steaua 1-0, Liverpool - Utrecht 0-0
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