On a chilly February night in Craiova, the Ion Oblemenco stadium was alive with energy as more than 25,000 fans packed the stands for one of Romanian football’s most anticipated clashes: Universitatea Craiova versus FCSB. This Liga 1 encounter, part of the 27th round of the 2025/2026 Superliga season, was not just a battle for points but a high-stakes duel between the league leaders and the reigning champions, with playoff implications hanging in the balance.
Universitatea Craiova, guided by coach Filipe Coelho, entered the match as the team to beat. With only one loss in their previous ten league outings—a 1-4 setback to Farul on February 1, 2026—the Oltenians had built a formidable reputation, boasting the league’s most potent attack and a fortress-like home record. FCSB, under coach Elias Charalambous, arrived desperate for a result, sitting in 9th place and ten points adrift in the standings, their playoff hopes on the line.
The atmosphere was electric from the outset. Supporters, including the returning North Stand ultras who had boycotted the previous cup match in protest, filled the stadium with chants and banners, determined to push their side to another famous win. The stakes were clear: a victory for Craiova would solidify their grip on the top spot, while FCSB needed all three points to keep their playoff dreams alive.
The match kicked off at 20:00 on February 15, 2026, with both teams showing attacking intent from the first whistle. FCSB’s Bîrligea signaled their intent early, rattling the crossbar with a fierce drive in the 4th minute. Moments later, Craiova’s Etim tested the visiting defense with a powerful shot that whistled just wide. The opening exchanges set the tone for a high-octane contest, each side trading chances and tackles in front of a raucous crowd.
Craiova’s breakthrough came in the 23rd minute. Assad Al Hamlawi, the Palestinian striker, seized his moment with a piece of individual brilliance. After a clever pass from Mora on the right, Al Hamlawi cut inside, outmaneuvered Graovac, and unleashed a curling shot from the edge of the box. The ball nestled into the far corner, leaving FCSB’s young keeper Matei Popa with no chance. The stadium erupted in celebration, the home fans sensing another step toward the title. According to multiple reports, "Al Hamlawi scored the only goal in the 23rd minute with a shot from the corner of the 16-meter box."
FCSB, stung by the opener, responded with renewed urgency. Lixandru forced a fingertip save from Craiova’s Popescu, while Cisotti and Olaru probed for openings. The visitors’ best chance of the first half came when Bîrligea found space in the box, only to see his header drift narrowly wide. Craiova, meanwhile, nearly doubled their lead before halftime, but Al Hamlawi’s effort was denied by Popa. The first half ended with controversy as Craiova appealed for a penalty after Mora went down in the box. Referee Marian Barbu, however, was unmoved, booking Mora for simulation.
The second half saw FCSB push forward in search of an equalizer, but it was Craiova who thought they had scored again in the 54th minute. David Matei pounced on a rebound and fired home, sparking wild celebrations among the home faithful. Yet, after a lengthy six-minute VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside—an agonizing blow for Craiova and a lifeline for FCSB. The drama was far from over, as both teams continued to create chances. FCSB’s Bîrligea, in particular, was a constant threat, missing a golden opportunity with a close-range header in the 72nd minute that could have drawn the visitors level.
As the match wore on, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Screciu was booked for protesting in the 80th minute, reflecting the high stakes and frayed nerves on both sides. FCSB threw everything forward in the closing stages, with Bîrligea nearly snatching a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time. His shot, however, drifted agonizingly wide, and the final whistle brought relief and jubilation for the home side.
The statistics told the story of a fiercely contested battle. Craiova’s defensive resilience and clinical finishing proved decisive, while FCSB’s profligacy in front of goal left them empty-handed. The official attendance of 25,026 included 629 traveling fans, all of whom witnessed a match that will be remembered for its intensity and significance in the title race.
The result extended Craiova’s lead at the top of Liga 1 to four points over Rapid and Dinamo, and a commanding 13-point advantage over FCSB. As the league’s best home team, Craiova’s dominance at the Ion Oblemenco continues to be a cornerstone of their campaign. For FCSB, the defeat leaves them with a mountain to climb—coach Charalambous’s side now needs to win all three of their remaining matches to keep any hope of playoff qualification alive.
Reflecting on the match, coach Filipe Coelho emphasized the importance of unity and determination: "It will definitely be a different match, against the champions. We will give our best, we want to win, and the connection between the fans and the team will be very important. We have to show every day that we want to win, regardless of the opponent or our position in the standings." His words rang true as Craiova’s collective spirit shone through on the pitch.
On the other side, Elias Charalambous acknowledged the challenge his team faces: "For us, every league match is a final, and we will treat Sunday’s game as a final. We play against a good team. We have to give everything to win the three points." Despite their efforts, FCSB left Craiova empty-handed and under increasing pressure as the season draws to a close.
Looking ahead, Craiova’s victory not only cements their status as title favorites but also raises expectations among their passionate supporters. With their only league defeat under Coelho coming against Farul, the Oltenians appear poised for a memorable finish. FCSB, meanwhile, must regroup quickly if they are to salvage their season and secure a playoff berth.
As the dust settles on this dramatic derby, one thing is clear: Universitatea Craiova’s 1-0 triumph over FCSB has sent shockwaves through Liga 1, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the Romanian football season.