Astra close on maiden Romanian title with win over Steaua

BUCHAREST, Romania: FC Astra stayed firmly on course for a maiden Romanian title triumph after scoring two penalties to secure a 2-0 home win over champions Steaua Bucharest on Saturday.

The victory at the Marin Anastasovici Stadium in Giurgiu, a town on the banks of the Danube, stretched Astra’s lead over second-placed Steaua to six points with three games remaining.

Centre back Valerica Gaman slotted home a penalty on the stroke of halftime after Denis Alibec was brought down by Steaua keeper Florin Nita.

Alibec calmly made it 2-0 in the 77th minute thanks to another penalty after substitute Filipe Teixeira was fouled in the penalty area by Fernando Varela.

Under coach Marius Sumudica, Astra are taking the fight to Steaua, who have won the title for the last three seasons.