FCSB have put themselves in a slightly tricky situation with draws in their last two Europa League rounds. They now have a chance to improve their position against one of the group stage underdogs. However, doing so away to a tenacious Qarabağ side is not an easy task.
The club from Aghdam, playing their international fixtures in Baku, have been on a three-week break, as has the entire Azerbaijan Premier League. They haven’t held any friendlies either. Their first match of 2025 took place on 17 December, where Qarabağ overcame one of the league’s strugglers, Şamaxı, with a 3:2 victory, albeit aided by an own goal.
The Romanian league took a similar length break, but the Bucharest club decided to test themselves with a couple of friendlies. The results were even. They clinched a victory over Hamburger SV with the help of two penalties (2:1) and then lost by the same scoreline to Dynamo Kyiv. Back in league action, FCSB drew with FC Hermannstadt (1:1), equalising only in the 86th minute.
Nevertheless, the Romanian side appear strong contenders for the win. During the six rounds of the group stage, they kept clean sheets in four, with their only lapse at Glasgow Rangers (0:4). So at the very least, FCSB should draw. Qarabağ face their own challenges, so to play it safe, we'll opt for a double chance on the visitors.
