 He started the 1997–98 season, playing his first match in European competition, in a 0–2 historical defeat against Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur on 23 July 1997.On 4 April 1998, he was in the start-up team in a 0–5 away defeat against Steaua, Dinamo's biggest margin defeat in the Eternal derby.One week later, Niculae managed to score his first league goals, netting a brace in a 7–1 home win against Jiul Petroşani.