Aberdeen vs FCSB: Europa League Qualifying Preview
Aberdeen vs FCSB in Europa League Qualifying
Date: Thursday, 21 August Venue: Pittodrie Stadium Kick-off: 19:45 BST Coverage: Live on BBC Scotland and BBC Sport website from 19:30, with live text commentary available.
Controversial FCSB owner Gigi Becali has stirred excitement in the north-east of Scotland as his club prepares to face Aberdeen in a Europa League play-off. Becali's confidence in his team's advancement is evident, as he has reportedly already budgeted for the financial rewards of reaching the tournament's league phase, a stage at which they performed admirably last season.
It remains uncertain whether Dons manager Jimmy Thelin uses motivational tactics involving disparaging remarks from opponents, but such comments have certainly added tension to the upcoming match.
Despite the Romanian champions' bravado, they have struggled with a poor start to their domestic and continental campaigns. FCSB has managed just one victory in their first six league matches and faced a humiliating exit in the Champions League qualifying rounds, where they were defeated by North Macedonian side Shkendija after barely overcoming Andorran minnows Inter Club D'Escaldes.
In their most recent qualifying round for the Europa League, FCSB had to rally from a 2-0 deficit at halftime against Kosovan champions Drita to secure their place in the play-off.
Among the highlights of their season so far, former Kilmarnock winger Danny Armstrong scored a stunning hat-trick in the 'Eternal Derby', leading Dinamo Bucharest to a thrilling 4-3 victory over FCSB earlier this month.
Despite their shaky start, confidence remains high in Romania, with pundit Florin Prunea, a former goalkeeper who reached the quarter-finals of the 1994 World Cup, predicting an easy qualification for FCSB.
"FCSB qualification, no problems, 100%, qualification without problems," Prunea stated. "Two wins, both away and at home. FCSB will score at least two goals at Aberdeen." The reality is that both clubs may be satisfied with the draw, as Aberdeen could have faced a more formidable opponent.
While FCSB has shown attacking prowess against Drita, their defensive vulnerabilities could provide an opportunity for Thelin to exploit at a packed Pittodrie on Thursday evening.
FCSB, previously known as Steaua Bucharest, is a former European Cup winner and one of only two clubs from Eastern Europe to have lifted the trophy. Their triumph in Seville in 1986 against a Barcelona team featuring former Dons striker Steve Archibald was monumental. They also reached the final three years later, only to be thwarted by a star-studded AC Milan side.
Since their glory days, FCSB has struggled to make a significant impact on the European stage, although they managed to reach the last 16 of the previous season's league phase before suffering a heavy defeat to Lyon.
Key Players for FCSB
FCSB boasts a number of players to watch, including striker Daniel Birligea, who netted 21 goals last season and has continued his scoring streak into the current campaign. Midfielder Juri Cisotti, at 32, is enjoying a resurgence in form, and coach Bicali believes he could be pivotal in the match against Aberdeen.
Captain and attacking midfielder Darius Olaru, who represented Romania at Euro 2024, orchestrates play, while former Heart of Midlothian and St Mirren defender Mihai Popescu has made strides in his international career this year.
After a nine-year wait for league title success, FCSB has now secured back-to-back championships, despite a rocky start this season. Last year began similarly before they finished strongly with an unbeaten run of 24 Liga 1 matches.
Another recent addition to both FCSB and the national team is striker Dennis Politic, who joined from Dinamo Bucharest this summer and has embraced the confidence instilled by his chairman. "It will be a tough match against Aberdeen, but the boys on the team beat much tougher opponents last year. We have to approach the first match modestly and with motivation, so I don’t think we will have any problems," he commented.
If Thelin doesn't display this quote prominently, it is sure to become a talking point leading up to this significant match for the Scottish Cup winners. Are they ready?