The Matchday 1 clash of the 2025/26 Europa League 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 side is making only their third appearance in European competitions 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 but once again fell short, losing to Brann (0-0 and 1-2). However, they reached the Europa League group stage as the winners of the national cup. It's worth noting that the team has not won a single match in European competitions – 2 draws and 2 losses.
- The club has not won in 11 of their last 13 Eredivisie games (7 draws and 4 losses).
- At least 3 goals have been scored in the last 6 Go Ahead Eagles matches in the league.
- The team has scored in 17 of their last 19 home matches in the Eredivisie.
Predicted 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.
Midfielder Pim Saathof and forward Oskar Sivertsen are unavailable due to injuries.
FCSB
The Romanian champions are starting their second consecutive season from the 1st qualifying round of the Champions League and have reached the Europa League group stage for the second time. The team failed to qualify for the Champions League after losing to Shkëndija in the 2nd qualifying round. However, they managed to overcome Drita (3-2 and 3-1) and Aberdeen (2-2 and 3-0) in the knockout rounds to reach the Europa League group stage. Last season, FCSB finished 11th in the group stage (14 points) and eventually 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 the last 5 away matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for FCSB (4-2-3-1)
Ștefan Târnovanu – Alexandru Pantia, Mihai Popescu, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mihai Toma – Mihai Lixandru, Baba Alhassan – Florin Tănase, Dennis Politic, Daniel Birligea – Mamadou Thiam.
Defender Joyskim Dawa and midfielder Adrian Șut will not play due to injuries.
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 Romanians have significantly more experience in European competitions, while the Dutch side is almost a newcomer on the continental stage, having played only 4 matches in this century without a single victory. It's also worth noting that Go Ahead Eagles have had a mediocre start to the Eredivisie season, currently sitting mid-table after 6 rounds.
The Bucharest club has relatively strong performances in the Europa League. In their last 18 matches in this tournament, they have only 4 losses (10 wins and 3 draws). Moreover, the Romanians strive not to be pushovers away from home – in their last 6 Europa League matches, they have only 1 loss (3 wins and 2 draws). Therefore, my prediction is: FCSB with a handicap (0)
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match.
