18.10.2003 - Liverpool v Steaua Bucharest preview

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Steaua Bucharest

Founded: 1947
Coach: Victor Piturca
Stadium: Stadionul Steaua
Capacity: 30,000
League Titles: 21
Domestic Cup Wins: 20
European Cup Wins: 1
European Super Cup Wins: 1

Steaua Bucharest are Romania's most successful club, winning 41 major domestic titles, and it's therefore no surprise that they are also the most successful Romanian club in European competition, although not since the late 80's have Steaua been a force in European club football.

Winners of the 1986 European Cup thanks to a 2-0 penalty shoot out win over Barcelona following a 0-0 draw, Steaua also lifted the Super Cup that year but a second European Cup final appearance 3 years later is the closest they have come to increasing their number of European trophy wins and not since that 1988-89 season have they managed to stay in a European competition until after Christmas.

The Bucharest club entered this season's competition as Romanina league runners-up, finishing behind local rivala Rapid Bucharest, a side who Liverpool knocked out on their way to UEFA Cup success in 2001.

Liverpool also faced Romanian opposition on their way to their previous European success, beating Dinamo Bucharest in the 1983-4 European Cup Semi final.

Their tie with Steaua is one which the Reds shouldn't take lightly though, as the Romanians have already knocked out Southampton from the competition and will be eager to send a second English side crashing out.

The first leg will be in Bucharest in less than 3 weeks time, with the second leg taking place at Anfield at the end of November.

2003-4 UEFA Cup Dates