FCSB and FC Botoșani are set to clash in the first leg of the Conference League play-off. The match takes place in Ghencea. The winner of this clash will then face Dinamo on 29 May for a place in the Conference League preliminaries.
Teams Arrive at Steaua Stadium
The FCSB delegation arrived at 19:00. Despite expectations of using the new team coach, the team arrived in their older vehicle at the Ghencea stadium.
FC Botoşani’s coach arrived, led by manager Marius Croitoru. Ongenda was the last to step off the coach and appeared to be the most relaxed of the visiting players.
Everything is prepared for the match that will decide the second team to qualify for the play-off final, where Dinamo awaits its opponent. The pitch is in good condition. Organisers are expecting 15,000 supporters.
Team Lineups
The confirmed FCSB lineup is: Târnovanu, V. Crețu, Dawa, M. Popescu, Radunovic, Fl. Tănase, Joao Paulo, Olaru, Miculescu, A. Stoian, Cisotti. The substitutes are: Zima, Duarte, Arad, Lixandru, M. Toma, Cercel, Pantea, Ngezana, Oct. Popescu, Alhassan, Thiam, D. Popa. The team is managed by Marius Baciu.
FC Botoșani’s starting eleven: Anestis, Adams, Miron, Diaw, Creț, E. Papa, Petro, Mitrov, Ongenda, Mailat, Dumiter. The substitutes: Kukic, Ilaș, Tigănașu, E. David, Pănoiu, Bodișteanu, Botă, D. Ștefan, Kovtaliuk, E. Lopez. Marius Croitoru is the manager.
Match Officials
Istvan Kovacs will referee the match. He will be assisted by Mihai Marica and Ferencz Tunyogi. The VAR referee is Cătălin Popa, assisted by Rareș Vidican.
Background
- FCSB finished the play-out in second place with 37 points.
- FC Botoșani finished tenth with 33 points.
- The two teams have met three times this season, with FC Botoșani winning twice (3-1 and 3-2) and FCSB winning once (2-1).
This match marks Marius Baciu’s debut as FCSB coach.
Baciu’s Comments Ahead of the Game
Marius B said that he wants everyone to support him for this match. He said he wants help from everyone and may even call Mirel Rădoi. He added that he will adapt to how the match goes, being both defensive and offensive, and will prepare both phases of the game.
He said he was brought in to organise the game and hopes the team will be disciplined and bring out the best in the players. He prefers to build a solid foundation. He added that the preparation started yesterday and will finish after the match.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:30 and will be broadcast live on PrimaSport 1 and DigiSport 1.