Bucharest managed to defend their championship title last season and then won the Super Cup again. However, they are now at risk of finishing the main stage outside the top six, although they have clearly improved recently. In Istanbul, Mourinho, who was appointed in the summer of 2024, disappointed by finishing only second again, and by autumn he was replaced by Tedesco. Tedesco managed to win the Super Cup, beating Galatasaray in the decisive match, but still lagged behind their rival in the league.
The Romanians failed to qualify for the Champions League—losing even to Inter Escaldes away, and were eliminated by Shkëndija-79. In the Europa League, they only looked good in the summer against Drita and Aberdeen. They started the main stage with a win over Go Ahead Eagles, but then only won against Feyenoord after four consecutive defeats. Against Dinamo in Zagreb last week, they suffered another heavy loss—1-4.
The Turks overcame Feyenoord in the Champions League in August, but then lost to Benfica—which led to the coaching change. In the less prestigious tournament, they lost to Dinamo Zagreb. However, they looked solid afterward, mostly winning, with draws against Viktoria Plzen and Ferencvaros at home. On Thursday, against one of the tournament favorites, Aston Villa, a single goal by Sancho in the middle of the first half decided the match in the opponent’s favor.
FCSB vs Fenerbahce: Key Stats and Trends
FCSB has lost five of their last six matches
The team scores an average of 1.73 goals and concedes 1.82 per match
Fenerbahce has won three of their last six league rounds
The club scores an average of 1.29 goals and concedes 0.86 per match
FCSB vs Fenerbahce: Probable Starting Lineups
FCSB (probable lineup): Tarnovanu – Radunovic, Dawa, Ngezana, Graovac – Alhassan, Lixandru, Chisotti, Olaru, Miculescu – Birligea
Fenerbahce (probable lineup): Ederson – Semedo, Ostervold, Skriniar, Müldür – Fred, Yuksek, Akturkoglu, Asensio, Dorgeles – Duran
Previous Matches: FCSB vs Fenerbahce
In 1997, the Romanians were stronger, winning away after a home draw. But in 2009, the Turks won both encounters.