Tuesday, July 15, at the Estadi de la FAF, Inter Escaldes host FCSB in the second leg of the first qualifying round of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. The home side face the challenge of overturning a two-goal deficit after the Romanian team secured a commanding 3-1 victory in the first leg in front of their home fans. That match highlighted the significant technical gap between the two sides: FCSB dominated from start to finish, registering eight shots on target compared to Inter Escaldes' three. The goals, scored in the opening 53 minutes by Miculescu, Olaru, and Stefanescu (the latter with a stunning left-footed volley), could have easily been more. However, it was the visitors who managed to pull one back through Hermann, who made the most of one of the very few chances created by Felip Ortiz's side. Although a full comeback appears unlikely—Inter Escaldes need to win by at least two goals to force extra time—Hermann’s goal adds some spice to a second leg that could have otherwise felt like a formality. Inter Escaldes, fresh off a domestic double (league and national cup), are aware of the magnitude of the task ahead but will give everything to reach the UCL second qualifying round for the first time in their history. FCSB, who made it to the Europa League Round of 16 last season, are one of the strongest contenders to secure a spot among the 36 teams in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. The Romanian side will look to reaffirm their dominance and send a message to their future rivals with another solid performance in the return leg.

Inter Escaldes' Recent Form and Key Stats

Inter Escaldes' 3-1 loss in the first leg of the UCL 25/26 first qualifying round brought them back down to earth, ending a 22-match unbeaten streak. That means Felip Ortiz’s side, champions of both the Primera Divisió and the Andorran Cup, haven’t started their new campaign in the best possible way.

Much of their domestic success has come at home, where they haven’t lost since September 15, 2024. In last season’s league campaign, which they comfortably won with a seven-point lead, Inter Escaldes went unbeaten at home with 11 wins and 3 draws, averaging 3.36 goals scored and just 0.5 conceded per game.

FCSB's Recent Form and Key Stats

Following their 3-1 win over Inter Escaldes, FCSB recorded their second consecutive competitive win, after also beating CFR Cluj 2-1 in the Romanian Supercup final. Including two friendlies won between late June and early July, the Romanian side are now unbeaten in 14 matches.

Their last loss came on March 13, in European competition: a 4-0 defeat away to Olympique Lyon in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16 (2024/25).

Last season, FCSB were impressive away from home both in the league—won with a 9-point lead over CFR Cluj—and in Europe, with notable away wins against PAOK and Qarabağ in the group stage. Elias Charalambous’ team are unbeaten in their last five away matches, collecting three wins and two draws.

Inter Escaldes vs FCSB prediction and tactical preview

The Inter Escaldes vs FCSB prediction by BetMines gives the visitors a clear edge, with a 44% chance of winning. The home win (1) is rated at 32%, while the draw sits at 24%.

While Inter Escaldes have been excellent at home—winning nine of their last ten home games—FCSB have been equally strong away, winning four of their last five away fixtures. As seen in the first leg, the difference will likely come down to FCSB's greater international experience and the superior quality of their attacking players, managed by Elias Charalambous.

In terms of match tactics, Inter Escaldes are expected to push hard from the first whistle, aiming to reopen the tie early. That aggressive approach will naturally leave space at the back, which FCSB—leading by two goals—will look to exploit on the counter.

The Inter Escaldes vs FCSB prediction by BetMines points to a potentially entertaining match, with both teams likely to find the net at least once.

• Inter Escaldes vs FCSB prediction by BetMines: FCSB win (2) – 44%
  
  
• Inter Escaldes vs FCSB prediction by BetMines: Both teams to score – 52%

Predicted Lineups Inter Escaldes vs FCSB

INTER ESCALDES (5-3-2): Diaz; Munoz, Muguruza, Puentes, Sanchez, Torres; Alonso, Mohedano, De La Torre; Rafinha, Lopez. Coach: Ortiz. 

FCSB (4-2-3-1): Tarnovanu; Cercel, M. Popescu, Ngezana, Radunovic; Sut, Perianu; Politic, Olaru, Tanase; Miculescu. Coach: Charalambous.