Craiova Reclaims Liga 1 Top Spot With Botoșani Win

The Ion Oblemenco Stadium in Craiova was buzzing with anticipation as Universitatea Craiova hosted FC Botoșani in one of the most eagerly awaited clashes of the 23rd round in Romania’s Liga 1. The stakes were high for both teams—Craiova, eager to reclaim the league’s top spot, and Botoșani, desperate to break a winless streak that had stretched since late November. In the end, it was the Oltenians who delivered, securing a 2-0 victory that sent their fans into raptures and propelled them back to the summit of the SuperLiga table.

From the opening whistle, Universitatea Craiova set the tone, dominating possession and pushing FC Botoșani onto the back foot. The hosts lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Isenko between the sticks and a back three of Romanchuk, Stevanovic, and Screciu. Out wide, Mora and Bancu provided width, while the midfield engine room featured D. Matei, Anzor, and the ever-dangerous Cicâldău. Up front, Nsimba and Baiaram led the line, hoping to unlock a Botoșani defense that, as Filipe Coelho noted before the match, had conceded just 16 goals all season.

FC Botoșani, under the guidance of Leo Grozavu, countered with a 4-2-3-1 setup. Anestis guarded the goal, behind a defense marshaled by captain Miron and flanked by Pavlovic, Diaw, and Creț. Petro and Aldair anchored the midfield, while Cîmpanu, Ongenda, and Mailat supported lone striker Bodișteanu. The visitors, sitting fifth in the table before kickoff, were keen to prove they could still mix it with the league’s best despite a string of disappointing results.

The first half was a tactical chess match, with both sides probing for weaknesses. Universitatea Craiova enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but Botoșani’s defense held firm. Early on, Cicâldău tried his luck from distance, narrowly missing the target at minute 13. Moments later, Nsimba was penalized for a foul in the opposing box, halting a promising attack. On the other end, Botoșani nearly stunned the home crowd when Mailat broke through in the 41st minute, only to see his fierce shot crash against the bar—a heart-stopping moment that left the score deadlocked at halftime.

Emotions ran high as the match wore on. In the 29th minute, Baiaram received a yellow card for protesting a referee’s decision, and coach Filipe Coelho was also booked for his animated complaints. "Asta e tot," the referee was heard saying, signaling his zero-tolerance approach to dissent. The tension was palpable, with both benches on edge as every decision was scrutinized.

The second half saw Craiova raise their intensity, determined to break the deadlock. An early warning shot came from Anzor, whose powerful effort soared over the bar in the 46th minute. Just past the hour mark, the hosts suffered a blow when Baiaram, a key attacking threat, was forced off with an injury. Yet, the setback seemed only to galvanize the team.

In the 65th minute, the breakthrough finally arrived. Nsimba threaded a clever pass into the path of Cicâldău, who coolly slotted the ball past Anestis to ignite the stadium. The goal was a testament to Craiova’s patience and attacking quality. As the fans erupted, Cicâldău celebrated with his teammates, knowing how crucial the opener could prove in such a tight contest.

Botoșani tried to muster a response, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by a disciplined Craiova backline. The visitors’ frustration grew, especially as their last league victory dated all the way back to November 30, 2025, a 1-0 win at Unirea Slobozia. With time ticking away, the pressure mounted for Grozavu’s men, who found clear chances hard to come by.

As the match entered its final stages, a moment of calamity sealed Botoșani’s fate. In the 83rd minute, a defensive error by Miron gifted the ball to Monday Etim, who made no mistake in doubling Craiova’s lead. The goal sent the home supporters into jubilation and left Botoșani’s players with their heads in their hands. It was a cruel blow for the visitors, but a deserved reward for Craiova’s persistent pressure.

"Va fi, cu siguranță, un meci dificil, împotriva unei echipe bune, cu jucători de calitate, care a primit doar 16 goluri până acum. Trebuie să dăm tot ce avem mai bun pentru a obține cele trei puncte," Coelho had said before the game. The coach’s words proved prophetic, as his team delivered a disciplined and determined performance to claim all three points.

Grozaavu, for his part, had praised Craiova’s stability under Coelho, noting, "Din ce am văzut, toţi jucătorii care intră se vede la ei că nu au probleme, chiar dacă stau un meci, intră apoi fără să fie supăraţi, vin de pe bancă şi sunt foarte motivaţi." Despite his optimism, Botoșani’s inability to find the net continued to haunt them, as their winless run stretched onward.

The result means Universitatea Craiova leapfrogs Dinamo București to reclaim first place in the SuperLiga, now sitting two points clear at the top. For Botoșani, the defeat leaves them in fifth, their early-season promise fading as the campaign wears on. The last time these two sides met, it ended in a 1-1 draw, with Cicâldău and Ongenda trading goals. This time, however, Craiova’s quality and composure made the difference.

The match was not without its controversies. Referee Bîrsan was kept busy, issuing yellow cards for dissent and, after the final whistle, reportedly showing a red card amid heated post-match scenes. Such drama is hardly new in Romanian football, but it underscored the high stakes and passions swirling around this fixture.

Looking ahead, Coelho remains focused on one game at a time. "Nu cred asta. Nu ne gândim la acest lucru. Luptăm pentru fiecare punct și vom vedea la final," he said when asked if this round was decisive for the title. His pragmatic approach seems to be paying dividends, as Craiova’s blend of youth, experience, and tactical discipline continues to yield results.

For the fans in Craiova, this was a night to savor—a return to the league’s summit and a statement of intent as the season enters its crucial phase. With players like Cicâldău and Etim rising to the occasion and a coach who preaches hard work and humility, Universitatea Craiova looks every bit the title contender.

Botoșani, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly if they are to arrest their slide and reignite their campaign. The road ahead won’t be easy, but as Grozavu reminded everyone, "Am mers pe omogenitate, care e foarte importantă şi asta trebuie să ne caracterizeze în continuare." If they can rediscover their early-season form, there’s still plenty to play for.

As the dust settles on this pulsating encounter, Craiova’s fans can dream of glory, while Botoșani faces another week of soul-searching. The title race is far from over, but for now, the Oltenians are back on top—and loving every minute of it.