# UTA Arad personnel challenges and Romanian Cup progress > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uta-arad-football-club-personnel-and-competition-status > Updated: 2026-10-26T13:54:22.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2. UTA Arad has faced significant squad challenges due to player availability. The club reported a personnel crisis involving suspensions for captain Alexandru Benga and Dmytro Pospielov, alongside multiple long-term medical issues. Players including Răzvan Oaidă, Alexi Pitu, and Richard Odada underwent surgery, while others faced ongoing fitness concerns, forcing coach Adrian Mihalcea to utilize tactical improvisations. Following a 3-0 victory against Minerul Lupeni, the club continued its Romanian Cup campaign in the second round of the group stage. In a match held at the Francisc Neumann Stadium, UTA Arad played to a 2-2 draw against FC Botoșani. After falling behind 2-0 following goals from Enriko Papa and Roland Idowu, the hosts mounted a comeback with a 58th-minute goal from Jayson Papeau and a 90th-minute equalizer by Alin Roman. The stalemate resulted in the elimination of FC Botoșani from the competition. Following the match, manager Adrian Mihalcea criticized the physical condition of his squad. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-26: UTA Arad and FC Botoșani draw 2-2 in Romanian Cup group stage UTA Arad and FC Botoșani drew 2-2 in the Romanian Cup group stage. Botoșani's 2-0 lead was overturned late, resulting in their elimination from the tournament. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/u-bt-cluj-napoca-to-face-skyliners-frankfurt-in-eurocup-debut ### 2026-10-22: UTA Arad faces squad crisis ahead of FC Argeș match UTA Arad faces a severe squad shortage ahead of their match against FC Argeș due to multiple injuries and player suspensions. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uta-arad-faces-squad-crisis-ahead-of-fc-arge-match --- Cite as: UTA Arad personnel challenges and Romanian Cup progress. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uta-arad-football-club-personnel-and-competition-status