Unirea look to seal a berth in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday when they play host to already-qualified Sevilla in Group G.
The Romanians can advance from the group a win over Sevilla and if Stuttgart drop points to Rangers. Unirea were held 1-1 by Rangers in their last group outing, and they were victorious at the weekend in a 2-1 win over Arges. They are still well within reach of the top of Liga I.
Sevilla, on the other hand, clinched a berth in the Round of 16 on Matchday 4, and their 2-1 weekend win over Tenerife sees them third in La Liga, just three points back of leaders Real Madrid. They can ensure a spot in the seeded pot for the knockout draw if they earn a point.
Unirea manager Dan Petrescu will have to do without Bruno Fernandes yet again as he continues to struggle with a thigh injury. Striker Raul Rucescu also continues his long-termm absence for the home side.
Sevilla have a host of players unavailable including first-choice goalkeeper Andrés Palop, striker Adriano, Julien Escudé and Arouna Koné. Manager Manolo Jiménez will have to fill several holes in the squad, but it will be a mostly unchanged squad from the one that won at the weekend.
Unirea will certainly have the impetus to go for the victory, but they still lack the quality of Sevilla. Expect at least a draw on the road for the Spaniards.
REVIEW:
Unirea set up a winner-take-all showdown on Matchday 6 for the second position in the Round of 16 in the Champions League from Group G with a 1-0 win over Sevilla.
Sevilla, who have already booked a berth in the knockout rounds, started well when Unirea goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis was forced to make several fine saves on shots by Jesus Navas and Fredi Kanoute. He also dodged a bullet when Alvaro Negredo struck the bar.
But just before half, Unirea went in front as Ivica Dragutinovic's misguided header off a free kick eluded his own goalkeeper, Javi Varas, and the Romanians were stunningly in front.
Dacian Varga missed two great chances to extend the lead for Unirea before the hour mark, and Arlauskis again had to be alert to parry away a drive by Diego Perotti from inside the area.
Sevilla pressed but could not come up with an equalizer, and Unirea will book a spot in the last 16 if they get at least a draw in two weeks when they close group play away to Stuttgart.