Romanian champions FCSB are gearing up to host Israeli title-holders Maccabi Tel Aviv in a crucial UEFA Champions League second qualifying round first leg clash on Tuesday. The match at Bucharest’s National Arena promises to be an intriguing affair as both sides aim to take a step closer to Europe’s elite competition.
Team News and Projected Lineups
FCSB manager Elias Charalambous has a near full-strength squad to choose from. Veteran defender Vlad Chiriches is expected to marshal the backline, while captain Darius Olaru will pull the strings in midfield. The prolific Andrea Compagno should lead the line up front.
Likely FCSB Lineup (4-2-3-1): Olaru, Dawa, Lixandru, Tarnovanu, Chiriches, Edjouma, Radunovic, Coman, Cordea, Pantea, Compagno
Maccabi Tel Aviv boss Robbie Keane has some selection headaches, with several key players unavailable. Midfielder Dan Glazer is suspended, while forward Eran Zahavi is doubtful with a muscle strain. Young talent Oscar Gloukh could be handed a start in attack.
Probable Maccabi Tel Aviv Lineup (4-3-3): Gloukh, Rikan, Saborit, Peretz, Kandil, Shechter, Ben Harush, Goldberg, Biton, Yeini, Peretz
Where to Watch
Fans in Romania can catch the action live on Digi Sport 1, while Israeli viewers can tune in on Sport 5. For those outside these regions, UEFA.tv will provide live streaming coverage of the match.
Form Guide
FCSB enter the tie in decent form, having won three of their last five competitive matches. They cruised past Andorran side Inter Club d’Escaldes in the previous round with an emphatic 7-2 aggregate victory.
Maccabi Tel Aviv, meanwhile, are yet to begin their domestic campaign. Their last competitive outing was a 2-0 win over Maccabi Petah Tikva in the Israeli Super Cup earlier this month.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first-ever meeting between FCSB and Maccabi Tel Aviv in European competition. However, FCSB have a mixed record against Israeli opposition, winning two and losing two of their previous four encounters.
Key Stats
- FCSB have reached the Champions League group stage on three occasions, most recently in 2013-14
- Maccabi Tel Aviv’s sole group stage appearance came in 2015-16
- FCSB scored 62 goals in 30 league games last season, the highest in the Romanian top flight
- Maccabi Tel Aviv conceded just 16 goals in 36 Israeli Premier League matches in 2022-23
Latest News
FCSB received a boost with the return of influential winger Florinel Coman from injury. The 25-year-old netted 13 league goals last term and could be crucial to their chances.
Maccabi Tel Aviv, on the other hand, will be without promising midfielder Avi Rikan, who completed a move to Greek side Olympiacos last week.
Prediction
While both teams possess quality, FCSB’s home advantage and superior match fitness could prove decisive. The Romanian champions should edge a tight contest, but Maccabi Tel Aviv’s defensive solidity means it’s unlikely to be a high-scoring affair.
FCSB 2-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv
This first-leg encounter sets the stage for an enthralling return fixture in Tel Aviv next week. The winner of this tie will advance to the third qualifying round, moving one step closer to a coveted spot in the Champions League group stages.
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