FCSB Champions League Qualifier: Stadium Saga and Shkendija Challenge
FCSB narrowly secured their place in the second qualifying round of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League, overcoming Inter Club d’Escaldes of Andorra 4-3 on aggregate following a nerve-wracking second leg away defeat (1-2) after a commanding 3-1 home victory in the first encounter[1]. The Romanian champions will now meet Shkendija, the titleholders from North Macedonia, in a crucial double-header set for July 22 (away in Skopje) and July 30 (home in Bucharest).
A notable subplot is the venue for the home leg: despite efforts to return to the National Arena—their usual home ground—FCSB has been approved to host the decisive second leg at the historic Stadionul Steaua, as the National Arena only becomes available for football from July 29 onward. The club had urgently petitioned UEFA to secure the larger venue, emphasizing their preference for the 50,000-seat National Arena, which was previously unavailable due to non-football events. Owner Gigi Becali has confirmed that renting Stadionul Steaua now comes at a higher cost, reflecting the ongoing rivalry with CSA Steaua over branding and legacy. FCSB Champions League
With these European fixtures overlapping the early stages of their domestic title defense in SuperLiga, FCSB faces a demanding schedule that will test squad depth and management’s strategic planning. Every qualifying round brings increased prestige, exposure, and potential prize money, but also raises the stakes for the club, which is determined to return to the Champions League group stage after a long absence. FCSB Champions League
FCSB’s ability to navigate the logistical complexities of stadia and maintain focus amid a packed fixture list could be decisive in their quest to reach the group stages and reestablish Romanian football on the European map. FCSB Champions League