FCSB eye edge over Aberdeen as Europa League play-off first leg heads to Pittodrie
FCSB head to Scotland with a storied pedigree and a roster packed with danger for Aberdeen in the Europa League play-off first leg. Leading the line is Daniel Birligea, who rattled in 21 goals last season and has kept his scoring touch this term, while veteran midfielder Juri Cisotti, now 32, is hitting peak form as he nears the twilight of his career. Club owner Gigi Becali has every reason to believe the Italian could make the difference in the tie.
In midfield, captain Darius Olaru will be the metronome for Romania’s Euro 2024 squad, directing play and orchestrating attacks. On the defensive side, Mihai Popescu—who has previously turned out for Hearts and St Mirren—has fought his way into international reckoning later in his career, illustrating the club’s knack for blending experience with quality.
FCSB have weathered early-season troubles and now celebrate back-to-back league titles after a nine-year wait for the crown. Their momentum echoes last season when they closed the campaign with an unbeaten 24-match stretch in Liga 1, underscoring the strength in depth and resilience of the squad. New summer signing Dennis Politic, bought from Dinamo Bucharest, has added another option up front and has benefited from the faith shown by the club’s chairman.
“It will be a tough match against Aberdeen, but the boys on the team beat much tougher opponents last year. We have to go modestly from the first match, motivated, so I don’t think we will have any problems,” the manager stated, setting a pragmatic tone for the trip to Pittodrie.
The build-up has plenty of intrigue for Aberdeen fans. Will the home advantage and a familiar environment give them a platform to stifle FCSB’s creative, high-pressing style? If the last line of the squad’s chatter is any guide, the message circulating in the camp is one of caution paired with belief, a formula that could serve them well in a tightly contested tie.
Are they ready?
What can Aberdeen expect from FCSB? A deep-lying, technically skilled side with muscle in wide areas, a captain who dictates tempo, a cutting-edge striker on form, and a summer arrival eager to prove his worth. The clash at Pittodrie promises to be a tactical duel as much as a battle for physical superiority, with Olaru’s control in midfield and Birligea’s movement up front likely to shape the outcome.
Additional notes for editors:
– Potential lineups and tactical matchups to watch: Olaru vs. Aberdeen’s central midfielders, Popescu’s aerial presence at set pieces, and Politic’s pace against Aberdeen’s back line.
– SEO keywords: FCSB, Aberdeen, Pittodrie, Europa League play-off, Darius Olaru, Daniel Birligea, Dennis Politic, Mihai Popescu, Juri Cisotti, Gigi Becali.
– Image ideas: action shot of Birligea in scoring form; portrait of Olaru; crowd at Pittodrie to capture the atmosphere.
Summary: FCSB travel to Aberdeen with a proven goal scorer, a veteran playmaker, and a captain who can control the tempo, aiming to take a lead back to Romania in a tie that could hinge on midfield control and clinical finishing.
Positive note: The Romanian club’s recent success after a lengthy title drought demonstrates their growing strength and belief that they can translate domestic momentum to continental competition.