The highly anticipated Champions League qualifying clash between FCSB and Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to take place on July 23, 2024, at Arena Nationala in Bucharest.
Both teams are eager to secure a spot in the next round, making this a crucial match for their European aspirations.
FCSB's Form and Performance
FCSB, formerly known as Steaua Bucharest, has a rich history in European competitions, having won the Champions League in 1986. They finished first in the Romanian SuperLiga's regular season and dominated the championship playoff group, securing their place in the Champions League qualifiers.
In the first qualifying round, FCSB demonstrated their prowess by thrashing Virtus 11-1 on aggregate, including a 7-1 victory in San Marino and a 4-0 win at home.
Head coach Elias Charalambous, who has been at the helm since early last year, has reinvigorated the team.
Key players like Malcom Edjouma, who scored twice in the last match, and veteran defender Vlad Chiriches, who recently returned from suspension, will be crucial in maintaining their strong form.
Maccabi Tel Aviv's Preparation and Challenges
Maccabi Tel Aviv, on the other hand, has been fine-tuning their squad through a series of friendlies and their participation in the Israeli Super Cup. New manager Zarko Lazetic has quickly made an impact, guiding the team to a 2-0 victory over Maccabi Petach-Tikva in the Super Cup.
However, they face significant challenges with several key players, including Roy Revivo and Osher Davida, representing Israel at the Olympic Games.
Additionally, star winger Felicio Milson's conflict with the club management has cast doubt on his availability for this match.
Prediction
Given FCSB's impressive form and home advantage, they are favoured to win this encounter.
Maccabi Tel Aviv, although a strong team, may struggle due to their recent managerial changes and the absence of key players.
Our Prediction: FCSB 1-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv
