FC Politehnica Timisoara vs Dumbrăviţa

Dan Alexa's side dominated the opening half but could not find a breakthrough. Experienced striker Florin Chițu hit the crossbar in the first 20 minutes as Politehnica — fielding eight new signings in the starting XI — built pressure without reward. The teams went in level at 0-0.

The deadlock came in the 57th minute. A corner from the left found David Popa in the six-yard box, and the club's top scorer from last season guided the ball into the net with his chest from close range. It was enough to claim the win.

Politehnica used 29 players across the 90 minutes, including trialist Abdulai, as Alexa rotated heavily. Dumbrăvița, coached by Florin Fabian, could not find an equaliser despite pushing late.

Politehnica's superior fitness and rhythm told in the second half. After a goalless first period where Chițu's woodwork strike was the closest either side came, the set-piece opener in the 57th minute forced Dumbrăvița to chase the game — a task they could not manage against a side that had already made multiple changes.

David Popa — The match-winner. The forward's instinctive close-range finish from a corner was the moment of quality that decided a tight contest. Last season's top scorer for Politehnica, he showed exactly why he remains pivotal.

Florin Chițu — Unlucky not to score himself. The experienced striker's early strike against the bar was the game's best chance before the goal, and his movement caused problems throughout.

Dan Alexa (manager) — Named eight new signings in his first XI and oversaw a controlled performance with 29 players used. After the match he told the club website: "As a first game, I'm very satisfied because I think we achieved our objectives. We showed well in many moments of the game, we also missed a lot. But most importantly, no one got injured."

Politehnica's 1-0 scoreline undersells their territorial dominance. The home side created the clearer chances — Chițu's bar, Popa's goal, and sustained pressure from corners — while Dumbrăvița rarely threatened. The 0-0 half-time score flattered the visitors, who had lost 4-0 to top-flight UTA in their only other pre-season outing a week earlier. Politehnica's rotation policy (29 players used) meant the flow was disrupted, but the volume of opportunities created suggests a side further along in its preparations.

This was Politehnica's first friendly of the summer, and the result marks a positive start to their pre-season programme as they build towards the 2026/27 Liga II campaign. Dumbrăvița, meanwhile, suffered their second consecutive friendly defeat following the 4-0 loss to UTA. Both clubs will compete in Liga II next season as Timiș County's only representatives in Romania's second tier.

Alexa acknowledged the squad still needs time: "There are a lot of new players and we need to work on cohesion, but overall I'm satisfied. In many moments, even very satisfied." He also confirmed the club is looking for a striker but will not rush the signing.

Politehnica's next pre-season fixture has not yet been announced. Dumbrăvița will look to improve their form in subsequent friendlies before the Liga II season begins.

A controlled, workmanlike friendly win for Politehnica against their local rivals. The scoreline was narrow, but the performance — particularly given the number of new faces — was encouraging. Popa's goal settled a game that Politehnica always looked likely to win. Alexa's side look ahead of schedule in their pre-season build-up.