⚽ Europa League - League phase - Round 1 Preview

📅 26 Sep 2024

⏰ 20:00 GMT +1

🏟 Arena Nationala (Bucharest)

FCSB, Romania’s most successful club in European competitions, have not seen much success in recent years, having last reached the knock-out stages of a major tournament in 2017/18. The Red and Blues, who famously won the European Cup in 1986, are hoping to revive their European ambitions with this UEFA Europa League (UEL) group stage opener. However, their domestic form has been shaky, with only two wins in their last nine league matches (D4, L3). Their recent 1-1 draw against Petrolul 52, in which they conceded a late equalizer while playing with ten men, has raised concerns for head coach Elias Charalambous.

RFS (Rigas FS) are looking to continue their historic run after becoming just the second Latvian team to qualify for the UEL group stage, securing their place after defeating APOEL on penalties. Manager Viktors Morozs hailed his team’s performance, calling his players “real heroes” for their achievement. RFS come into this match in excellent form, undefeated in 18 league games (W16, D2) and having won ten of their last 13 away matches across all competitions. With such momentum, they’ll be aiming to pull off a surprise in Bucharest.

Where to watch FCSB vs RFS?

📺 Link to watch FCSB vs RFS Live Stream on TV

📋Players to watch:

Darius Olaru (FCSB): FCSB will look to their key playmaker, Olaru, who has a great record when scoring—losing only one of the 43 matches in which he’s found the net (W36, D6).
Darko Lemajić (RFS): Lemajić has been decisive in European competitions, with six of his eight goals in Europe either opening or closing the scoring.

⚡️Match Facts:

FCSB have not reached a major European knock-out stage since 2017/18.
RFS are unbeaten in 18 league matches, winning 16 of them.
Seven of RFS' eight European qualifying matches this season have featured 3+ goals.

💡 FCSB vs RFS Prediction

While FCSB have the European pedigree, their current form leaves them vulnerable. RFS, buoyed by their impressive unbeaten run and solid away performances, could push the Romanian giants in a high-scoring affair. Expect an entertaining contest, with a 2-2 draw a likely outcome, as both sides will likely exploit defensive weaknesses.

FCSB vs RFS Betting Tips

Both teams to score
Over 2.5 goals
Draw

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FCSB vs RFS Prediction 26 Sep 2024