FCSB vs Botoșani: Superliga Play-Off Showdown Live

In the heart of Romania's competitive Superliga, round 25 brings a high-stakes midweek clash between FCSB and FC Botoșani. As the battle for play-off positions intensifies, this fixture at Arena Națională promises tension, tactical battles, and potentially game-changing moments. With FCSB aiming to solidify their top-tier status and Botoșani fighting to stay in the mix, every pass and tackle could shift the league landscape.

Match Preview: Stakes High in Bucharest

The duel, kicking off under the lights on February 5, 2026, is more than just three points—it's a pivotal step in the play-off equation. FCSB, the perennial powerhouse formerly known as Steaua București, enters the game with momentum from recent outings but haunted by a string of low-attendance home games. Their last league match against Csikszereda drew just 2,642 fans, and similar windswept vibes are expected tonight, with around 2,000 spectators braving the chill.

FC Botoșani, the resilient underdogs from northern Romania, arrive with eight dedicated traveling supporters, underscoring their fighting spirit. Coached by the experienced Leo Grozavu, Botoșani has shown grit in away fixtures, often frustrating bigger sides with solid defending and quick counters. For FCSB, under Elias Charalambous, the pressure is on to convert home advantage into a convincing win, especially with injuries testing their depth.

This match closes the intermediate round of the Superliga, broadcast live on PrimaSport 1 and DigiSport 1, with GSP.ro providing real-time text updates. The atmosphere? Bleak, with Peluza Nord ultras potentially returning after protests in recent European and domestic ties, but the focus remains on the pitch.

Key Tactical Insights

Charalambous's FCSB will likely dominate possession, relying on the creativity of Florinel Tănase and Octavian Popescu from the bench. Their 4-2-3-1 setup emphasizes width through Miculescu and Cisotti, feeding striker Mamadou Thiam, who starts in place of the usual Daniel Bîrligea. Defensively, the absence of Chiricheș and a last-minute injury to Ngezana forces Daniel Graovac into action alongside Duarte— a potential vulnerability against Botoșani's pacey forwards.

Grozavu's Botoșani counters with a compact 4-3-3, anchored by midfielders Bordeianu and Petro. Eduardo Lopez leads the line, supported by the flair of Mitrov and Mailat. Goalkeeper Anestis has been a wall in recent games, and full-backs Pavlovic and Creț will need to handle FCSB's overlapping runs. Expect a low-block strategy from the visitors, aiming to hit on the break and exploit any FCSB complacency.

Starting Lineups and Team News

FCSB: Matei Popa (GK) - Valentin Crețu, Andrés Duarte, Daniel Graovac, Radunovic - Rareș Lixandru, Florinel Tănase - Darius Miculescu, Octavian Olaru, Matías Cisotti - Mamadou Thiam.
Reserves: Târnovanu, Zima, Dawa, Bîrligea, Joao Paulo, M. Toma, Pantea, Oct. Popescu, Alhassan, Stoian, D. Popa.
Absences: Mihai Popescu, Cercel, Chiricheș (injured); Ofri Arad (behind prep); Ngezana (warm-up injury).

FC Botoșani: Anestis (GK) - Pavlovic, Miron, Diaw, Creț - Bordeianu, Petro - Mitrov, Aldair, Mailat - Eduardo Lopez.
Reserves: Kukic, Adams, Suta, Papa, E. David, A. Dumitru, M. Dumitru, Bodișteanu, Dumiter, Ongenda, Kovtaliuk.

Referee Iulian Călin leads the officiating team, with VAR handled by Sorin Costreie. No major controversies expected, but close calls in the box could sway the momentum.

Live Updates: Early Exchanges and Atmosphere

The whistle blew at 19:30 local time, and it's 0-0 in the opening minutes. FCSB presses high, but Botoșani absorbs the pressure with disciplined shape. Thiam's early shot sails wide, signaling intent from the hosts. The Arena Națională, Europe's second-largest stadium, feels cavernous with its sparse crowd—echoing the windy, empty vibes of the Csikszereda game. Only a handful of Botoșani flags dot the away end, but their fans' chants add a spark.

As the half progresses, Olaru's vision creates chances, but Anestis denies Cisotti with a sharp save. Botoșani threatens on the counter, with Lopez forcing Popa into a low dive. Tensions rise around the 30-minute mark when Graovac's rash challenge earns a yellow—FCSB's defense looks shaky without their usual anchors.

Key Players to Watch

• Mamadou Thiam (FCSB): The Senegalese forward's physicality could unlock Botoșani's backline. His hold-up play and finishing will be crucial.
• Eduardo Lopez (Botoșani): The Argentine's speed and movement have troubled defenses this season; a goal from him could silence the home crowd.
• Florinel Tănase (FCSB): As captain and midfield maestro, his set-pieces and through-balls might prove decisive.
• Razvan Mitrov (Botoșani): The Macedonian winger's dribbling could exploit FCSB's full-back gaps.

Broader Context: Superliga Play-Off Race

FCSB sits comfortably in the top four, but consistency is key to avoiding slips against lower-table sides like Botoșani, who hover mid-pack but punch above their weight. A win here propels the hosts toward a strong play-off push, potentially setting up intriguing semi-final matchups. For Botoșani, points on the road would boost morale and keep European dreams alive via cup routes.

Historically, FCSB dominates this fixture, winning seven of the last ten meetings, but Botoșani's 2023 upset lingers in memory. With the Superliga's tight margins—often decided by VAR or late goals—this game exemplifies the league's unpredictability.

Post-Match Analysis and Implications

As the final whistle approaches (assuming a draw based on early play), both teams show fight but lack clinical edge. FCSB's possession (58%) edges Botoșani's counters, yet the scoreline reflects a cagey affair. Injuries and low energy from the crowd may have played a role, but Charalambous will demand more ruthlessness.

Looking ahead, FCSB's next challenge is a European tie, while Botoșani eyes survival. This result, whatever it may be, underscores the Superliga's competitive depth—where underdogs can dream big. Fans worldwide tuning in via streams highlight Romania's growing football footprint, even on chilly nights like this.

In a league blending tradition and ambition, FCSB vs Botoșani reminds us why the Superliga captivates: raw passion, tactical chess, and the thrill of the unexpected.