The Matchday 1 clash of the Europa League 2025/26 group stage between Go Ahead Eagles (Netherlands) and FCSB (Romania) will take place on September 25 at De Adelaarshorst Stadium in Deventer. Go Ahead Eagles vs. FCSB: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Go Ahead Eagles
The Dutch team is appearing in European competitions for only the third time in the 21st century. The first two attempts ended in complete failure. In the 2015/16 season, the club started in the 1st qualifying round of the Europa League and was immediately eliminated. Last year, the team reached the 2nd qualifying round of the Conference League and again came up short, losing to Brann (0-0 and 1-2). However, the Deventer side made it to the group stage of the Europa League as the winner of the national cup. Notably, the team has not won a single match in European competitions – 2 draws and 2 losses.
- The club has not won 11 of their last 13 Eredivisie games (7 draws and 4 losses).
- At least 3 goals have been scored in Go Ahead Eagles' last 6 league matches.
- The team has scored in 17 of their last 19 home Eredivisie matches.
Projected lineup for Go Ahead Eagles (4-2-3-1)
Jari de Busser – Dean James, Joris Kramer, Gerrit Nauber, Mats Deijl – Evert Linthorst, Melle Meulensteen – Mathis Suray, Jacob Breum, Kenzo Goudmijn – Victor Edvardsen.
FCSB
The Romanian champions are starting from the 1st qualifying round of the Champions League for the second consecutive season and have reached the Europa League group stage for the second time. The team failed to qualify for the Champions League, losing to Shkëndija in the 2nd qualifying round. However, they managed to advance in the knockout rounds to the Europa League group stage by defeating Drita (3-2 and 3-1) and Aberdeen (2-2 and 3-0). Last season, FCSB finished 11th in the group stage (14 points) and reached the Europa League Round of 16, where they were stopped by Lyon (1-3 and 0-4).
- The club has not lost in regular time in 10 of their last 13 matches in this European competition (7 wins and 3 draws).
- At least 3 goals have been scored in the last 6 Europa League matches.
- Both teams scored in 4 of FCSB's last 5 away matches in this tournament.
Projected lineup for FCSB (4-2-3-1)
Ștefan Târnovanu – Alexandru Pantea, Mihai Popescu, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mihai Toma – Mihai Lixandru, Baba Alhassan – Florin Tănase, Dennis Politic, Daniel Birligea – Mamadou Thiam.
Referee
Kristo Tohver (Estonia)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 47;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.2;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 44%.
Match Prediction: Go Ahead Eagles vs. FCSB
In the upcoming match, I give a slight edge to the visitors. The Romanian side has significantly more experience in European competitions, while the Dutch team is almost a newcomer on the continental stage, having played only 4 matches this century without a single victory. It's also worth noting that Go Ahead Eagles have had a mediocre start to the Eredivisie season, sitting mid-table after 6 rounds.
The Bucharest club has quite decent statistics in the Europa League. In their last 18 matches in this tournament, they have only 4 losses (10 wins and 3 draws). Moreover, they aim to be competitive away from home – in their last 6 Europa League away matches, they have only 1 loss (3 wins and 2 draws). Therefore, my prediction is "FCSB with a handicap (0)".
* Each team's lineup is based on their last match.
