Hunor Batzula scores last-minute winner as Romania U19 triumph over Bulgaria

In a thrilling finale to the Memorialul Stevan Vilotic tournament, Romania U19 clinched a narrow 1-0 victory against Bulgaria, thanks to a decisive goal from Hunor Batzula in the 90th minute. This late strike secured Romania's success in the tournament held in Serbia.

The tournament saw Romania U19 compete in three matches. They faced Hungary on September 24, 2026, but unfortunately lost 1-2. The team bounced back with a strong performance against Serbia on September 26, winning 3-1 in Kula.

The match against Bulgaria took place on September 29, 2026, in Senta, where the young Romanian squad showcased their resilience and determination. The starting lineup featured players from various clubs across Europe, including Arsenie Mocan from Chindia Târgoviște, and Hunor Batzula from Sepsi Sf. Gheorghe, who made a significant impact with his late goal.

The team, led by coach Ion Marin, included talented players like Fabio Bădărău of Monza, Stefano Precupanu and Gabriel Repciuc both from Juventus, and Ianis Vulpe from Paços de Ferreira. Notably, several players showcased their skills at prestigious clubs across Europe, including Răzvan Farcaș at CD Leganes in Spain and David Creța at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in Germany.

With this victory, Romania U19 not only concluded the tournament on a high note but also demonstrated the potential of its young talents, setting a positive tone for their future endeavors.