The Dublin outfit had drawn 0-0 with the Romanian champions at home but were no match for Steaua away even though the Romanians finished with nine men.

Steaua’s Nicolae Dica and Shels’ Dave Rogers were sent off after five minutes following an off-the-ball incident.

Goals from Nicolita Banel (19) and Iacob Victoras (27) put Steaua in charge before the prolific Jason Byrne got one back.

Shelbourne took the game to the home side for much of the second half, and had the best of thee chances.

The heads went down when Laurentiu Dinita made it 3-1 before being sent off with three minutes later.

Daniel Oprita’s stoppage-time penalty flattered the scoreline for Steaua who next face Rosenborg of Norway.