Article by GSP – Published Friday, January 30, 2026, 4:21 p.m. / Updated Friday, January 30, 2026, 4:21 p.m.
Marius Niculae (44 years old), former Romanian international, analyzed for Gazeta Sporturilor the match between FCSB and Fenerbahce, which ended with a score of 1-1.
The duel with Fenerbahce was the last European match of this season for FCSB, who finished in the 27th place in the Europa League group.
Marius Niculae, verdict after the FCSB – Fenerbahce match: “They weren't inspired enough”
In a dialogue with Gazeta Sporturilor, Marius Niculae commented on the match played by FCSB in the Europa League and mentioned that the result was a positive one.
“When I scored it was different, it was a Champions League game, now it was played in the Europa League. Still, it's a good result for FCSB because they didn't lose.
That's quite a difference. If we compare ourselves in terms of investment with the teams in Turkey, and here I am referring to the top three teams, even four, there is also Trabzonspor who also invest… From my point of view, we have no way to compare ourselves to them. Let's not forget that Istanbul has the same population as Romania.
(no Were FCSB afraid of Fenerbahce?) No, but why? Don't they still have two legs and two hands? They are still people. On the contrary, you mobilize better, especially since you know that you are meeting a formation that has the first chance. And I think that Lyon, when I met Lyon or Manchester United, they were more valuable than Fener is now.
I liked the whole team. He was not a player who particularly stood out. All those who entered, and those on the bench, came with a desire to prove that they are not inferior to the Turks. And that was seen by the number of opportunities they had.
They had many opportunities to score. Unfortunately for them, they were not inspired enough, but in the end what matters is that they came out of this competition with their heads held high.
(no. What's happening with Bîrligea?) He hasn't scored lately) That happens at any peak. You can't score all the time, be at the highest level. There are also less inspired periods, so to speak.
He is the same quality player who still scored two goals in this competition. In the championship, not the same as last season, but I say that there are moments like this in the life of every footballer. You can't only be at one level, because otherwise you were Ronaldo or Messi who played poorly and scored…”, said Marius Niculae for Gazeta Sporturilor.
Marius Niculae scored against Fenerbahce
In the 2012/2013 season, FC Vaslui played in the UEFA Champions League preliminaries, and in the third round they met Fenerbahce. The formation patronized by Adrian Porumboiu lost with the score of 2-5 overall, after in the first leg they managed to get a draw.
In the return leg, the Turks won with a score of 4-1, and Marius Niculae managed to score for FC Vaslui.
