FCSB opened their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory against Inter Club d’Escaldes, deploying an unusual attacking 4-3-3 formation featuring five offensive players and only one defensive midfielder. Despite the comfortable scoreline, coach Elias Charalambous acknowledged the team’s need for improved concentration and performance, given the opponent’s resilience[2][4].
Owner Gigi Becali revealed strategic changes for the tougher upcoming rounds, announcing a shift to a 4-2-3-1 system with more defensive solidity using players like Ngezana and Mihai Popescu in center-back roles, and a competitive battle for attacking midfield positions between Florin Tănase, Politic, and Olaru. This tactical flexibility aims to better cope with stronger opposition as FCSB progresses through the qualifiers scheduled for early August[5].
This evolving approach highlights FCSB’s intent to adapt their lineup dynamically, balancing attacking impetus with defensive stability to enhance their chances in the challenging Champions League preliminary stages.