Petrolul vs. Universitatea Craiova: Closing Match of 2026’s First Round
The first round of the 2026 Superliga reached its climax with a significant match between Petrolul Ploiești and Universitatea Craiova, held at the iconic Ilie Oană Stadium in Ploiești. Both teams entered this contest with high stakes, aiming to secure crucial points in their quest for championship glory.
Match Overview
This match was particularly pivotal for Universitatea Craiova, who needed to secure a win to regain their leading position in the league standings. Managed by Filipe Coelho, they faced a challenging opponent in Petrolul Ploiești, coached by Eugen Neagoe.
Team Lineups
| Team | Formation | Starting Players | Reserves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrolul Ploiești | 3-4-3 | Krell, Papp, Roche, Ignat, Ricardinho, M. Dulca, Jyry, Dongmo, R. Pop, Grozav, V. Gheorghe | Bălbărău, Guilherme, Hanca, C. Dumitrache, Prce, Boțogan, D. Paraschiv, Chică-Roșă, Rafinha, R. Manolache, D. Rodrigues, A. Dumitrescu |
| Universitatea Craiova | 3-5-2 | Isenko, Stevanovic, Screciu, Romanchuk, Teles, D. Matei, Mekvabishvili, Cicâldău, Bancu, Nsimba, Etim | L. Popescu, Lung, Mogoș, Fl. Ștefan, Al. Crețu, Băsceanu, Muntean, Mora, Baiaram, Al Hamlawi, T. Băluță, Fălcușan |
Match Officials
- Main Referee: Horațiu Feșnic (Cluj-Napoca)
- Assistant Referees: Valentin Avram (București), Alexandru Cerei (Cluj-Napoca)
- VAR Official: Cătălin Popa (Pitești)
- AVAR Official: Lucian Rusandu (Sfântu Gheorghe – Covasna)
Pre-Match Insights
Both coaches provided insights before the match. Filipe Coelho warned his team against underestimating their opponents, citing the importance of preparation despite past encounters. He emphasized that consistency and focus would be key to overcoming a well-organized Petrolul side.
Eugen Neagoe echoed a similar sentiment, highlighting the need for his players to perform under pressure. The former Craiova coach expressed confidence in his team’s abilities while noting the tight competition in the league.
Match Conditions
As the teams arrived at the stadium, conditions looked favorable for football, with the pitch cleared of snow. Both squads completed their inspections and appeared ready for an intense battle.
In sum, the match between Petrolul Ploiești and Universitatea Craiova was expected to be a defining moment in the early stages of the Superliga, with crucial implications for both teams’ title aspirations as they navigated the challenges of a competitive season.
