FC Botoșani and FCSB are set to clash in a highly anticipated match at 20:30, marking the start of Round 3 in the play-out stage of the Superliga. This matchup is crucial for both teams, as they are vying for a stronger position in the standings. Currently, FCSB leads with 27 points, while FC Botoșani trails closely with 24 points. UTA stands in between them with 25 points.
Match Details
- Date & Time: 03 April 2026, 20:30
- Venue: Municipal Stadium, Botoșani
- Broadcast: Prima Sport 1, DigiSport 1
- Referee: George Roman
Team Lineups
Both teams have announced their starting lineups as follows:
FC Botoșani (4-2-3-1)
- Kukic
- Suta, Miron (cpt.), Diaw, Creț
- Papa, Petro
- Adams, Ongenda, Mitrov
- Mailat
Substitutes: Tomache, Țigănașu, Ilaș, Bordeianu, E. David, Pănoiu, Aldair, Bota, Limas, Bodișteanu, Dumiter
Absent: Kovtaliuk (suspended), Anestis (injured)
Coach: Marius Croitoru
FCSB (4-3-3)
- M. Popa
- Pantea, Duarte, Dawa, J. Paulo
- F. Tănase, Lixandru, Olaru (cpt.)
- Miculescu, Thiam, Cisotti
Substitutes: Târnovanu, Zima, V. Crețu, Graovac, M. Popescu, Chiricheș, Ngezana, Radunovic, Oct. Popescu, Alhassan, Al. Stoian, D. Popa
Absent: Arad, Cercel, Bîrligea (injured)
Coach: Mirel Rădoi
Recent Performance
This match is pivotal in the context of the play-out standings. A victory for FCSB will solidify their position at the top. Meanwhile, FC Botoșani aims to leapfrog UTA and tie FCSB on points. Both teams approach the match with different motivations.
Coaches’ Insights
Marius Croitoru, leading FC Botoșani, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete. He emphasized the need for a positive attitude, especially following a painful defeat in the previous match.
Mirel Rădoi, the head coach of FCSB, highlighted the changes in FC Botoșani’s play style under Croitoru. He acknowledged FC Botoșani as a more organized and dynamic team since the coaching transition.
Historical Context
The rivalry between these two teams is marked by numerous encounters in the Superliga. In their last 30 meetings:
- FCSB won 22 times
- FC Botoșani secured victory in 3 matches
- 5 games ended in a draw
The most recent clash on 5 February 2026 ended with a score of 2-1 in favor of FCSB. Historical parameters suggest an exciting encounter is imminent.
Statistical Highlights
- FC Botoșani’s home record: 8 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses.
- FCSB’s away performance: 6 wins, 4 draws in 15 matches.
- FCSB has scored 26 goals in the first half this season.
- FC Botoșani has failed to score in 11 of their last eight league games.
As the anticipation builds, fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an intense and competitive showdown in the play-out round. Both teams know the importance of this match, and its outcome could significantly shape their trajectories in the league.
