We host the reigning champions for the second time this Superliga season, but overall it will be our third encounter with FCSB. Just like the first time, we expect a full house and a true football celebration.
We host the reigning champions for the second time this Superliga season, but overall it will be our third encounter with FCSB. Just like the first time, we expect a full house and a true football celebration.
It was in Round 9 of the regular season last September when the title holders first visited Miercurea Ciuc. Back then, just like now, tickets sold out within moments, and the fans had no reason to complain: the first meeting between the two sides ended in an entertaining 1–1 draw. In January, away at the National Arena, we also did not play a subordinate role, even though the match ended with a 1–0 home win.
Although many would not have expected this matchup to be repeated in the play-out, that is exactly what happened. There were already signs of this, as the Bucharest side arrived to face us from 13th place, showing inconsistent form at the time and having gone through two head coaches since then.
It can be said that two of the most in-form teams of the play-out will meet in Miercurea Ciuc, as FK and FCSB have collected the most points in this phase: FCSB has gained 15 points, while we have collected 11. If we were to create a table based only on matches played in 2026, FCSB would be fourth with 28 points in the league, while we would be right behind them with just one point less. From this perspective, the two teams occupy the top two positions among the ten play-out sides.
However, the stakes are very different: FCSB is clearly fighting for a place in the Conference League qualifiers, while our main objective remains avoiding relegation. We are now closer to achieving this goal, as last week’s draw in Sibiu, combined with other favorable results, ensured that we have already avoided direct relegation. The team led by Róbert Ilyés is now working to make sure that even the relegation play-off can be avoided.
To secure this objective, we still need to collect at least four points from the remaining three matches: now against FCSB, then next Friday in Arad against UTA, and in two weeks at home against FC Botoșani, where we hope that, having already achieved our goal, we can celebrate together with our supporters at the Municipal Stadium.
Before the match, head coach Róbert Ilyés emphasized that the team is aware of the opponent’s strength but is not backing down: “It will certainly not be an easy match. We are playing against a team with high-quality, international players, the most popular team in Romania. We know who we are facing, but we are not stepping back. We want to continue our run and achieve our goal of staying in the league. For that, we need points, and we will try to get the maximum out of this match.” He also highlighted the importance of playing at home and the role of the supporters: “Our home ground suits us, and our fans always give us extra energy. We are expecting a full house, which can mean even more. If we play with the right mentality and in an organized manner, this can help us a lot.” Regarding survival, he added: “I do not like making calculations. We have to follow our own path and do everything to win the three points. That is the most important thing right now. If we defend in an organized and compact way and are efficient in transitions, that can be the key to success.”
The players share a similar view. Attila Csürös said that preparation is going as usual: “We are preparing the same way as for any league match.” He added that evening matches played under floodlights in front of a full crowd provide extra motivation: “Every player enjoys playing in such conditions.” Regarding future goals, he remained clear: “We have not been focusing on the possibility of European competitions; our main goal is still to stay in the league and avoid the play-off.”
Lóránd Pászka also reflected on the previous round: “I would have been happier if we had returned from Sibiu with three points. One point away is valuable, but based on the game we might have deserved more.” He considers the previous draw against FCSB a positive sign: “It gives us confidence that we did not play a subordinate role against them. We need to approach this match bravely as well.” He also highlighted the importance of the supporters: “If the stadium is full and our fans stand by us, I believe we can achieve a positive result.” He also sent a message to the fans: “We warmly welcome everyone to Friday’s match, and we hope we can celebrate together at the end.”
The match will take place on Friday at 20:30 at the Municipal Stadium and will be broadcast, as usual, by Digi Sport 1 and Prima Sport 1 for those who cannot attend in person.
Go FK, go Szereda, go Szeklerland!