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. On 19 April, he scored another brace against FC Naţional in a 4–2 home win. He scored four goals in 12 appearances, in his second season as a professional. On 13 May, he scored another two goals against FC Naţional, in a 5–0 League Cup win, in the second round of the South Group.