FCSB has secured its place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League after clinching a convincing 2-0 win against PAOK Salonika, which culminated in a 4-1 aggregate score over the two-legged playoff. The encounter, held at the Arena Națională, witnessed thousands of fans rallying behind FCSB as they overcame their Greek opponents for the third time this season.
The match saw significant contributions from Juri Cisotti, who opened the scoring with his goal at the 30-minute mark, and David Miculescu, who sealed the victory with another goal at 81 minutes. These players not only marked their names on the score sheet but also played pivotal roles throughout the match, showcasing FCSB's dominant performance.
After their narrow 2-1 victory over PAOK at the Toumba Stadium, FCSB entered the second leg brimming with confidence. The Romanian champions, under the management of Elias Charalambous, were determined to maintain their winning streak. Despite PAOK's attempts to equalize the aggregate score, FCSB's solid defense and effective counter-attacking ensured they kept the Greek side at bay.
Following the final whistle, the players and coaching staff of FCSB exuded joy as they celebrated their advancement to the next round of the tournament. "We want to go as far as possible, and today was just another step toward achieving our goals," stated Miculescu after the match. The win not only halted PAOK's hopes of progress but also underlined FCSB’s resurgence on the European stage.
Charalambous had expressed earlier confidence about the team’s prospects. At the press conference preceding the matchup, he emphasized the need for focus over complacency, stating, "The goal is always to win, and we will approach every match with the intention of doing just so." This message was echoed by the team’s captain Adrian Șut, who remained optimistic about their chances against any opponents they may face next.
The energetic atmosphere at the Arena Națională contributed to FCSB's momentum, with over 50,000 fans—including more than 5,100 PAOK supporters—coming together to witness this thrilling encounter. This gathering was notable for having the highest turnout of away fans at the stadium, showcasing the passionate rivalry between the two clubs.
FCSB's solidifying position within European competitions this season can be illustrated by their impressive statistics against PAOK, having triumphed over them three times and demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill. The Romanian side has not only built this successful record but has infused fresh energy and unity within the team under Charalambous’s guidance.
PAOK, managed by Razvan Lucescu, had aimed to overturn the deficit from the first leg but struggled to match FCSB's energy. The team had created opportunities but failed to capitalize on key moments, which left them vulnerable as FCSB capitalized on set pieces and counter-attacks.
Overall, FCSB's victory and qualification marks not just another feather in their cap but signifies their growing power and presence on the European football stage. Their next challenge will involve facing Lyon or Eintracht Frankfurt, both formidable opponents with rich histories in European competitions.
Looking back, this encounter was more than just about qualification; it illustrated FCSB's potential to rise through the ranks and challenge teams across Europe. With their next match on the horizon, all eyes will be on FCSB as they venture forth, bringing with them the hopes of their passionate fan base.