The upcoming Champions League qualifying match between FCSB and Virtus promises excitement as these two teams face off in the second leg.
With a decisive lead from the first leg, FCSB looks to solidify their position and advance to the next round.
Current Form and Previous Encounters
FCSB enters the second leg with a commanding six-goal lead, having defeated Virtus 7-1 in the first leg held in San Marino. This victory showcased FCSB's dominance, as they maintained 80% possession and launched 22 shots on goal.
Key players like Darius Olaru and Daniel Popa were instrumental in this win, with Olaru scoring a hat-trick and Popa adding two goals.
Virtus, on the other hand, struggled against the overwhelming strength of FCSB. Despite their efforts, they managed only five shots, with a lone goal from Manuel Battistini offering a small consolation.
Virtus's squad, consisting mainly of amateur players, faced a tough challenge and will need a miraculous performance to overturn the deficit.
Team News
FCSB
FCSB's manager, Ilias Charalambous, is likely to make strategic changes to the lineup, considering their strong position.
Players like Nana Antwi, Joyskim Dawa, David Miculescu, and Baba Alhassan, who were brought on in the first leg, may start this match.
However, FCSB will miss the services of Vlad Chiriches and Marius Stefanescu due to suspension, while Octavian Popescu, Alexandru Pantea, and Alexandru Musi are sidelined with injuries.
Probable Starting XI: Tarnovanu; Antwi, Dawa, Harut, Kiki; Alhassan, Edjouma, Miculescu, Olaru, Phelipe; Popa
Virtus
Virtus might see Elia Ciacci in the starting lineup, replacing Nicolo Vallocchia.
Battistini's goal in the first leg is expected to secure his place in the starting eleven, likely alongside veteran Ivan Buonocunto.
Probable Starting XI: Passaniti; Pupeschi, Rinaldi, De Lucia; Battistini, Montanari, Golinucci, Sabato; Buonocunto, Ciacci; Benincasa
Prediction
Considering the overwhelming performance in the first leg, FCSB is expected to dominate once again.
Virtus would need an extraordinary effort to challenge FCSB’s stronghold.