UEL: Go Ahead Eagles Fall 1-0 to FCSB in UEFA Europa League Opener

FCSB edges Go Ahead Eagles 1-0 in UEFA Europa League

FCSB secured a 1-0 win over Go Ahead Eagles in the UEFA Europa League, solidifying their defense after halftime.

The home side continued to dominate the match, with Victor Edvardsen coming close to equalizing...

FCSB secured a 1-0 win over Go Ahead Eagles in the UEFA Europa League, spoiling the Dutch team's return to European football. The Romanian giants proved efficient, capitalizing on their chances to take the victory.

Go Ahead Eagles' European return was highly anticipated, but they fell short. The team, making their first European main draw appearance since 1965, fielded an unchanged lineup following a recent win over PEC Zwolle.

FCSB are having a harder time in Romania, where the phoenix club failed to win any of the last eight league games. Striker Denis Alibec returned to the starting lineup for the second time this season, giving manager Elias Charalambous a boost up front.

The Eagles opened as the stronger side in a loud Adelaarshorst, but fell behind regardless when David Miculescu calmly finished from inside the box following lost possession from the home side and an accurate cross from Alibec

𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐚𝐬...

Go Ahead Eagles heeft gestreden voor wat het waard is, maar verliest uiteindelijk met 0-1 van FCSB. #GAEFCSB pic.twitter.com/DZsnaSifit

— Go Ahead Eagles 🦅 (@GAEagles) September 25, 2025

After falling behind, Go Ahead Eagles increased the pressure on FCSB, creating several promising opportunities. Belgian winger Mathis Suray had two favorable chances in the box but failed to beat Stefan Tarnovanu with his shots in the opening 20 minutes.

The home side continued to dominate the match, with Victor Edvardsen coming close to equalizing. However, both of his efforts sailed just over the crossbar, leaving Go Ahead Eagles still searching for their first goal of the match.

After the break, FCSB strengthened their defense, limiting Go Ahead Eagles to unthreatening shots. The Romanian visitors controlled the pace of the game, but they themselves struggled to create clear scoring opportunities.

Despite their efforts, Go Ahead Eagles were unable to breach FCSB's defense. The team's inability to penetrate the Romanian side's backline ultimately led to their 1-0 defeat, marking their first European match loss since 1965.

The Eagles continue their European journey next week, when they'll play Panathinaikos in Athens.

FCSB catch a lucky break amid a form crisis and open their UEFA Europa League campaign with a win - one they hope to build on when Young Boys come to visit Bucharest next week.

It's good to be back 😁#UEL pic.twitter.com/3XJheNrZbU

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) September 25, 2025