The city of Galați was buzzing with anticipation on February 8, 2026, as Oțelul Galați welcomed reigning champions FCSB for a pivotal clash in the 26th round of the Superliga. The stakes were high: both teams entered the evening tied on 37 points, occupying the 9th and 10th spots in the league table, each desperate to secure a place in the coveted play-off zone. With the gates of Oțelul Stadium opening promptly at 18:00, fans streamed in, heeding club recommendations to arrive at least an hour before kickoff to avoid the last-minute rush and ensure a smooth, orderly entry.
Security was tight, as stadium officials enforced strict regulations to guarantee the safety and enjoyment of all attendees. Only ticket or season pass holders were allowed entry, with tickets available via Entertix & MyTicket and at the stadium box office. Supporters sporting FCSB colors or merchandise were directed exclusively to the Peluza Sud section, ensuring clear separation between rival fans. Alcohol, seeds, and outside beverages were strictly prohibited, and anyone refusing security checks was denied entry. Video surveillance monitored the crowd throughout the evening, and all attendees were reminded to comply with Law 4/2008, aimed at preventing violence during sporting events.
As kickoff approached, the atmosphere was electric. Less than four hours before the match, only 100 tickets remained, signaling an almost sold-out arena. The significance of the fixture was not lost on either camp. Oțelul’s coach, Laszlo Balint, addressed the media with a steely determination: “The odds favor FCSB, but we want to prove the predictions wrong. We know how important these points are, and we want victory because anything less would seriously diminish our chances of making the play-off. Despite losing some key players this winter, our level of play remains strong. We’ve shown before we can upset the odds, beating the likes of Craiova, Dinamo, and CFR at home.”
On the other side, FCSB coach Elias Charalambous underscored the pressure on his squad: “From now on, every match is like a final for us. We can’t afford to drop points. We have to play at our very best, especially against a Galați team that has proven its quality this season. All matches from here are must-wins if we want to climb the table.” Charalambous’s record against Oțelul since their return to the top flight in 2023 was impressive, with FCSB winning three of their five encounters, but the hosts had claimed two victories—both away from home.
The match kicked off at 20:00, broadcast live on Prima Sport 1 and followed by thousands both in the stadium and at home. The starting lineups featured a blend of experience and new faces. Oțelul lined up with Dur Bozoancă in goal, a backline of Zhelev, Zivulic, C. Lopes, and Conrado, with Paz, Lameira, and Pedro Nuno in midfield. Up front, Bană, Debeljuh, and Miguel Pinto led the charge. FCSB responded with M. Popa between the posts, defended by Pantea, Duarte, Dawa, and Radunovic, with Lixandru and Alhassan anchoring the midfield. Miculescu, Tănase, and Olaru supported striker Bîrligea in attack.
Early exchanges were lively, with both sides probing for weaknesses. Oțelul’s Zhelev opened the scoring in the 25th minute, capitalizing on a physical duel in the box to slot home past Popa, sending the home crowd into raptures. But FCSB’s response was swift. In the 31st minute, Tănase pounced on a loose ball, threading a perfect pass to Bîrligea, who calmly finished one-on-one with Dur Bozoancă to level the score. Momentum shifted, and just before halftime, Bîrligea struck again, this time heading home from a Tănase corner after the Oțelul keeper misjudged his exit. FCSB entered the break with a 2-1 lead, the first half extended by three minutes due to stoppages.
The second half saw tactical adjustments from both coaches. Oțelul made a double substitution at the 58-minute mark, bringing on Chira and Patrick for Andrezinho and Paz, while FCSB introduced Joao Paulo—recently transferred from Oțelul—and Crețu for Alhassan and Pantea at halftime. The game’s complexion changed dramatically in the 54th minute when Oțelul’s Zivulic received a red card after a VAR review for a foul on Bîrligea, reducing the hosts to ten men and tilting the balance further in FCSB’s favor.
FCSB pressed their advantage, and in the 66th minute, Olaru found himself unmarked in the box, finishing expertly from a right-wing cross by Tănase to make it 3-1. The visitors’ captain’s goal underlined FCSB’s dominance, though Oțelul refused to capitulate, making further substitutions in a bid to regain a foothold. Andre Duarte and Alhassan picked up yellow cards for FCSB, as the battle in midfield intensified and tempers occasionally flared. Oțelul’s Pedro Nuno was forced off injured early, replaced by Andrei Ciobanu, highlighting the physical toll of the contest.
Despite spirited resistance from the home side and a strong record at Oțelul Stadium this season—seven wins, three draws, and just two losses before tonight—the hosts couldn’t overturn the deficit. FCSB’s away form, previously marked by four wins and four draws in twelve outings, received a timely boost with this result. The last time Oțelul had beaten FCSB at home in the league was back on September 26, 2010—a statistic that now looms even larger.
Referee Marcel Bîrsan managed the match with a firm hand, supported by assistants Grigoriu Mircea Mihai and Vatamanu Cosmin, and VAR officials Dima Iulian and Gheorghe Sebastian Eugen. The match was played in a charged but largely respectful atmosphere, a testament to the robust security measures and the professionalism of both clubs.
As the final whistle blew, FCSB emerged 3-1 winners, strengthening their play-off ambitions while Oțelul faced the reality of a tough run-in. With both teams still in the hunt for postseason glory, the Superliga’s closing rounds promise more drama and high stakes. For now, Galați’s faithful are left to ponder what might have been, while FCSB’s fans savor a crucial victory on the road.