Marin and Stanciu ready for a grueling autumn in the Nations League after scoring spectacular club goals

Răzvan Marin and Nicolae Stanciu are heading into Romania’s Nations League campaign in strong club form, with both midfielders scoring important goals for their teams.

Marin helped AEK Athens beat Aris 4-0 at home. He scored in the 67th minute, when AEK already led 2-0, finishing into the far corner after Lovro Majer recovered the ball and set him up. The goal gave Marin two goals and four assists in six appearances this season.

AEK’s other goals came from Barnabás Varga, who scored twice, Aboubakary Koita and Zini. The victory kept the Athens side at the top of the Greek standings with seven points after three rounds, level with Olympiacos.

Stanciu also made an immediate impact for Dalian Yingbo in China. He scored after 10 minutes against Qingdao Hainiu, sending a spectacular shot under the crossbar. Qingdao equalized through Yeboa in the 23rd minute, but Luo Jing restored Dalian’s lead just before halftime. Dalian won 2-1, and Stanciu was named player of the match. He has scored 11 times and provided four assists in 25 league appearances.

Romania will play Sweden on Sept. 25 and Oct. 5, Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sept. 28 and Nov. 17, and Poland on Oct. 2 and Nov. 14. The home fixtures will take place at the National Arena, while the away games are scheduled for Solna, Warsaw and Zenica.