Farul Constanța Stuns Universitatea Craiova With 4-1 Rout

It was a night to forget for Universitatea Craiova, as the Superliga leaders were handed a sobering 4-1 defeat by Farul Constanța on February 1, 2026, in Ovidiu. The 24th round clash saw the home side, coached by Ianis Zicu, put on a clinical display, capitalizing on defensive mistakes and adverse weather to close the gap to the play-off spots, while Craiova, despite retaining their top spot, were left to rue a series of costly errors and missed opportunities.

From the opening whistle, Farul Constanța imposed their will on the match. The hosts wasted no time, and by the 31st minute, the scoreboard was already flashing a daunting 3-0 advantage in their favor. The first blow came early: in just the 6th minute, former Craiova player Alexandru Ișfan pounced on a wayward pass from Oleksandr Romanchuk, slotting the ball past Pavlo Isenko to ignite the home crowd. "Fostul jucător al Universității Craiova, Ișfan, profită de greșeala oltenilor și trimite mingea în poartă," reported iAMsport.ro, capturing the sense of shock that rippled through the visiting defense.

Farul didn’t let up. In the 25th minute, Ișfan turned provider, threading a perfect pass to Ionuț Vînă, who doubled the lead with a superb diagonal finish to the far post. Just six minutes later, Narek Grigoryan set up David Maftei, who advanced down the right and fired a well-placed shot from a tight angle past Isenko. That goal marked Maftei’s first-ever in the Superliga—a milestone moment for the young defender and a dagger to Craiova’s hopes of a comeback.

Universitatea Craiova, managed by Filipe Coelho, found themselves in uncharted territory. It was the first time all season they had conceded four goals in a domestic match. The Oltenians, who entered the contest riding a seven-game unbeaten streak and four consecutive clean-sheet victories, were suddenly scrambling for answers. Coelho had warned before the match, "Va fi un meci dificil, cu siguranță, împotriva unei echipe care poate juca în diferite sisteme și are jucători buni. Farul se descurcă foarte bine pe teren propriu, deci va fi greu, dar lucrăm din greu ca să fim în momentul nostru bun și vom da totul pentru a obține cele 3 puncte." Yet, even the most cautious optimism couldn’t have prepared them for the storm that hit in Ovidiu.

The weather, too, played its part. Strong winds swept across the pitch, making the ball’s trajectory unpredictable and favoring the home side, who adapted much better to the conditions. Farul’s efficiency was remarkable—they scored with every shot on target, ruthlessly punishing every slip from Craiova.

Despite the lopsided scoreline, Universitatea Craiova did create their share of chances. Luca Băsceanu came close in the 12th minute, while Steven Nsimba squandered a golden opportunity from close range in the 42nd. Samuel Teles rattled the crossbar just before halftime, a moment that could have shifted the momentum had it found the net. In the second half, Carlos Mora twice tested Farul’s keeper Alexandru Buzbuchi, but the shot-stopper was equal to the task, preserving his side’s comfortable lead.

Farul’s defense, marshaled by Bogdan Țîru and supported by Buzbuchi’s heroics, proved impenetrable for much of the match. Even when Universitatea did break through, luck deserted them. Meanwhile, Victor Dican struck the woodwork for Farul in the 20th minute, nearly adding his name to the scoresheet.

The contest took a dramatic turn in the 85th minute. Universitatea’s goalkeeper Pavlo Isenko, under pressure and perhaps unsettled by the swirling wind, mishandled the ball at the edge of the area. As Răzvan Tănasă closed in, Isenko fouled him, earning a straight red card. With no substitute keeper available, midfielder Tudor Băluță donned the gloves for the remainder of the match. Denis Alibec, newly returned from FCSB and making his Farul debut, stepped up to take the ensuing free kick in the 87th minute. He made no mistake, curling the ball past Băluță to complete the rout and cap a triumphant homecoming.

Universitatea Craiova did manage a consolation goal in the 75th minute, when Monday Etim finished off a quick exchange with Assad Al Hamlawi, firing home from close range. But by then, the damage was done. The visitors’ attacking efforts were too little, too late, as Farul’s confidence and organization never wavered.

For Farul, the result was more than just three points. It marked the first time they had scored four goals in a league match this season, and with two wins and a draw in their last three games, the "marinarii" have thrust themselves back into the play-off conversation. The victory also served as a measure of revenge for their 2-0 defeat to Craiova earlier in the campaign.

In terms of lineups, Farul started with Buzbuchi in goal, a backline featuring Maftei, Țîru, Marins, and Pellegrini, with Vînă, Dican, and Ramalho in midfield. Up front, Grigoryan, Vojtus, and Ișfan led the charge. Universitatea Craiova countered with Isenko in goal, Romanchuk, Rus, and Screciu in defense, and a midfield anchored by Mora, Anzor, Cicâldău, Băluță, and Teles. Băsceanu and Nsimba spearheaded the attack. The bench featured notable names like Denis Alibec for Farul and Assad, Etim, and Houri for Craiova.

Referee Rareș George Vidican kept a firm hand on proceedings, issuing the crucial red card to Isenko in the closing minutes. The VAR team, led by Ionuț Coza, was not called upon for any major controversies, as Farul’s dominance was clear for all to see.

With this result, Universitatea Craiova remain atop the Superliga standings, but their aura of invincibility has taken a hit. The defeat serves as a stark reminder that the title race is far from over, and any lapse in focus can be ruthlessly exploited. For Farul Constanța, the emphatic win injects belief and momentum as they continue their pursuit of a coveted play-off spot.

As both teams regroup and look ahead to the next round, one thing’s certain: the Superliga title chase just got a whole lot more interesting.