FCSB’s European Redemption Journey
FCSB returns tonight (7:45 PM, Digi Sport 1, Prima Sport 1) in the Europa League, two weeks after the disaster in Glasgow: a 0-4 loss to Rangers in the 3rd round. That result was a huge blow to the Romanian champions, making tonight’s match against Danish side Midtjylland crucial for FCSB’s European campaign this season.
Gigi Becali, FCSB owner. PHOTO: Adevărul Archive
Unfortunately, Midtjylland hails from a nightmare country for Becali’s team! It became a joke the last time they faced a Danish club.
ZeCeSB. That’s how FCSB became known after their last encounter with a Danish club. It happened in the 2022-2023 season of the Conference League. In the span of seven days, Becali’s team lived a “horror movie.”
It started with a 5-0 defeat to Danish side Silkeborg at home in the 3rd group stage match. After this painful loss, Nicolae Dică, the coach at the time, promised that the team would “reverse the score” in the home game. And indeed, it happened. Unfortunately! Because at the National Arena, FCSB – Silkeborg ended 0-5.
Now, two years later, the Romanian champions face another Danish team, Midtjylland. But coach Elias Charalambous is confident ahead of tonight’s match:
*”We know very well that FC Midtjylland is at the top of Denmark, and that says a lot, because we know how strong the Danish league is. One result, like their game against Broendby (note – the 1-5 loss in the last match), doesn’t tell us much. We’ve watched FC Midtjylland and being at the top in Denmark is not easy. So we expect a very tough match. But we play at home, and the players are motivated. These three points will be crucial for the future. It won’t be easy to win them, but we will give our all to get them. We know that with a victory tomorrow, our chances of qualification will be much higher.”
*”At this level in the Europa League, you have to be in your best form. We have analyzed the opponent, we know their strengths, but like any team, they also have weaknesses. The most important thing for us is to execute perfectly on the field and take advantage of their weaknesses. We lost to Rangers, but it happens, it’s not possible to win every game. We want to change the impression left against Rangers for sure, but we shouldn’t focus only on that defeat.”
Europa League Standings after Matchday 3
- Lazio – 9 points
- Tottenham – 9 points
- Anderlecht – 9 points
- Ajax – 7 points
- Galatasaray – 7 points
- Frankfurt – 7 points
- Midtjylland – 7 points
- Bilbao – 7 points
- Bodø / Glimt – 7 points
- Lyon – 6 points
- Rangers – 6 points
- Olympiakos – 6 points
- FCSB – 6 points
- Fenerbahce – 5 points
- Porto – 4 points
- Slavia Prague – 4 points
- Sociedad – 4 points
- Hoffenheim – 4 points
- AS Roma – 4 points
- Viktoria Plzen – 3 points
- Man. United – 3 points
- Elfsborg – 3 points
- Ferencvaros – 3 points
- AZ Alkmaar – 3 points
- Malmö – 3 points
- Braga – 3 points
- Beşiktaş – 3 points
- Twente – 2 points
- Union Saint-Gilloise – 1 point
- PAOK Thessaloniki – 1 point
- Rigas FS – 1 point
- Nice – 1 point
- Ludogorets – 1 point
- Maccabi Tel Aviv – 0 points
- Dynamo Kyiv – 0 points
- Qarabağ – 0 points
*At the end of the group stage, the top eight teams will advance directly to the Round of 16. Teams ranked 9th-24th, a total of 16 teams, will compete in the playoff for the Round of 16, home and away. Teams placed 25th-36th will exit this season of European competitions.
FCSB’s Upcoming Fixtures
- September 26: FCSB – Rigas FS 4-1
- October 3: PAOK Thessaloniki – FCSB 0-1
- October 24: Rangers – FCSB 4-0
- Today: FCSB – Midtjylland (7:45 PM)
- November 28: FCSB – Olympiakos (10:00 PM)
- December 12: Hoffenheim – FCSB (7:45 PM)
- January 23: Qarabag – FCSB (7:45 PM)
- January 30: FCSB – Manchester United (10:00 PM)
Conclusion
FCSB faces a critical match against Midtjylland in the Europa League, aiming to redeem themselves after a disappointing loss to Rangers. With the standings tight, every point matters in their quest for European success this season.
FAQs
1. What are FCSB’s chances of advancing to the Round of 16 in the Europa League?
With 6 points in the group stage, FCSB’s chances depend on their performance in the remaining matches and results of other teams. Winning crucial games like the one against Midtjylland is essential for their progression.
2. How has FCSB prepared for the match against Midtjylland?
Coach Elias Charalambous has expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, emphasizing the need to focus on their own performance and capitalize on Midtjylland’s weaknesses to secure a victory.