On Wednesday, July 9, at the Stadionul Steaua in Bucharest, FCSB will host Inter Escaldes in the first leg of the opening qualifying round for the upcoming UEFA Champions League. The Romanian champions, fresh off a domestic league title, have already started the 2025/26 season on a high note, having lifted the Romanian Supercup last weekend with a 2-1 win over rivals CFR Cluj. Charalambous’ side is no stranger to the European stage. Besides a glorious past that includes a European Cup victory in 1985/86, FCSB also featured in last year’s UEFA Europa League, reaching the Round of 16 before being knocked out by Paulo Fonseca’s Olympique Lyon. Although the path to qualification for the expanded UEFA Champions League 2025/26 — now open to 36 clubs — is still long, the Bucharest side is determined to start strong, relying on their superior European pedigree and especially their home advantage, where they remain virtually unbeaten in domestic competition. Their first obstacle seems manageable: Inter Club d'Escaldes. The Andorran side, one of the most successful teams domestically in recent years, has never competed in a European tournament and, barring surprises, is unlikely to go far against more experienced sides familiar with knockout football. The mission of Spanish coach Felip Ortiz is therefore to make a good impression across the two legs against a historically prestigious club like Steaua.

FCSB Recent Form and Key Stats

After winning the Romanian SuperLiga for the 28th time in May, FCSB played two summer friendlies, both victories against Dutch sides Almere City and Utrecht, followed by the Romanian Supercup final on July 5 against CFR Cluj. Elias Charalambous' men claimed a 2-1 win, with goals from Politic and Radunovic, securing the first official trophy of the 2025/26 season.

FCSB are currently on an 11-game unbeaten run, recording 8 wins and 3 draws. Their last defeat dates back to March 13, when they suffered a heavy 4-0 loss against Olympique Lyon in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16. At home, they’ve won six of their last seven matches (with one draw), keeping a clean sheet in three of those games.

Inter Escaldes Recent Form and Key Stats

Inter Escaldes ended the 2024/25 season on an eight-match winning streak, the latest being a 1-0 victory in the Andorran Cup final against Atletic Escaldes on May 25. Overall, Felip Ortiz’s men are unbeaten in 22 matches. They lost only once in 27 rounds of the Andorran Primera Divisió.

The champions of Andorra, who also won the domestic Supercup, are unbeaten in their last 10 away matches, with 7 wins and 3 draws. Impressively, they’ve kept a clean sheet in five of their last seven away games, showing solid defensive organization — at least within the boundaries of their national league.

FCSB vs Inter Escaldes Prediction and Tactical Overview

The FCSB vs Inter Escaldes prediction by BetMines heavily favors the home side to win this first leg of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. The Romanians have significantly more international experience, having played in the most recent edition of the Europa League, and it's unlikely they’ll falter at home against the Andorran champions.

In terms of total goals, the FCSB vs Inter Escaldes prediction leans towards a match with at least three goals. Bucharest’s side has both scored and conceded in four of their last five matches, while six of Inter Escaldes’ last seven games ended with Over 2.5 goals.

The feeling is that the home team will push hard from the outset, aiming to all but seal qualification in the first leg. Elias Charalambous’ goal is clear: win by the largest possible margin to face the return leg without major worries.

• FCSB vs Inter Escaldes BetMines Prediction: FCSB to Win
  
  
• FCSB vs Inter Escaldes BetMines Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals

Probable Lineups FCSB vs Inter Escaldes

FCSB (4-2-3-1): Tarnovanu; Cercel, Ngezana, Popescu, Radunovic; Sut, Olaru; Tanase, Miculescu, Cisotti; Alibec. Coach: Elias Charalambous

INTER ESCALDES (4-3-3): Diaz; Feher, Sanchez, Torres, Muguruza; Sabater, Calderon, Mohedano; De La Torre, Rafinha, Lopez. Coach: Felip Ortiz