CSA Steaua București kicked off their pre-season preparations in style with a commanding 3-0 victory over Tunari in an International Club Friendly held on 15 July 2026. The match, played at Steaua's training base, offered head coach Elias Charalambous a first look at his squad's sharpness ahead of the new campaign. The home side dominated from start to finish, showcasing fluid attacking movements and a solid defensive structure that left the visitors with few clear chances.

First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone

Steaua wasted no time imposing their authority. Inside the opening 15 minutes, they carved through Tunari's midfield with incisive passing sequences. The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when a well-worked corner routine found central defender Andrei Miron, who rose highest to power a header into the far corner. The goal settled any early nerves and allowed the Romanian giants to play with greater freedom.

Tunari, a side from Liga II, attempted to hit on the counter but struggled to retain possession against Steaua's high press. The hosts doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark. Winger Răzvan Oaidă drifted inside from the left flank, exchanged a quick one-two with striker David Popa, and curled a precise low shot into the bottom corner past the helpless Tunari goalkeeper.

Clinical Finish in the Second Period

With the game effectively under control, Charalambous rotated his squad liberally after the interval, giving valuable minutes to a host of fringe players and academy graduates. Despite the changes, Steaua maintained their intensity and added a third goal in the 67th minute. Substitute midfielder Alexandru Băluță latched onto a through-ball after a defensive miscommunication and calmly slotted home from 12 yards.

Tunari rarely threatened goalkeeper Ștefan Târnovanu, who remained a spectator for most of the second half. Steaua's backline, marshalled by Miron and veteran Valentin Crețu, snuffed out any potential danger long before it reached the penalty area.

Key Performances and Takeaways

• Andrei Miron – Dominant in the air and composed in possession, the defender scored the opening goal and organized the back four effectively.
• Răzvan Oaidă – A constant threat on the wing, his goal and movement stretched the Tunari defence and created space for teammates.
• David Popa – The young striker showed intelligent link-up play and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after hitting the post late in the first half.

The result gives Steaua a confidence boost as they continue their pre-season schedule. The blend of experienced heads and emerging talents suggests the club will be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Liga I season. Tunari, meanwhile, will take lessons from the defeat as they prepare for their own campaign in Romania's second division.

Match Statistics at a Glance

Overall, the friendly served its purpose: sharpening match fitness, testing tactical systems, and giving the coaching staff a clear picture of squad depth ahead of the new season.