FCSB struggled at the start of the 2025-26 Champions League qualifiers, losing the second leg 2-1 away to Andorran champions Inter D’Escaldes, who pulled off a surprising triumph that elevated Andorra to 48th in the UEFA country coefficients, surpassing Northern Ireland. This result is part of a broader surge by Andorran clubs, including recent wins by Atletic d’Escaldes and Santa Coloma in Conference League qualifiers, marking a historic rise for the small nation in European rankings. Romania remains 23rd despite having four clubs in European competitions this season, while FCSB must now face Macedonian champions Shkendija in the next qualifying round, with the first leg in North Macedonia on July 22. Shkendija, with a squad value roughly one-tenth that of FCSB, presents a new challenge for the Romanian side aiming to progress further in Europe’s elite tournament.
