“It is not written anywhere that FCSB and CFR Cluj must be in the play-off” » What awaits the champions in Oltenia
Article by Robert Vîrdol – Published Saturday, February 14, 2026 9:07 p.m. / Updated Saturday, February 14, 2026 9:08 p.m.
Silvian Cristescu (55 years old), the former midfielder from Craiovaspoke about the Olten duel with FCSB, exclusively for Gazeta Sporturilor.
Craiova University is preparing for the duel with FCSB, after they met in the Romanian Cup on Thursday, and the match ended with a score of 2-2. The red-blue line-up is getting closer to the play-offs, and the pressure for a win is much higher.
Silvian Cristescu spoke about Sunday night's game and mentioned that the absence of Stefan Baiaram will be an important one.
Silvian Cristescu: “Baiaram's absence will be felt, he is one of the most valuable in the championship”
Silvian Cristescu
“I think it will be a continuation of Thursday's match and it will be a nice match, in which we controlled 60% of the time. It's a different load now, and if we had the equal option then, we don't have it now. Baiaram's absence will be felt because he is one of the most valuable or perhaps the most valuable player in this championship. Any team would miss him.
I saw who is refereeing, but what can I say, I think it will be a fair refereeing, I don't want anyone to favor me or disfavor me. I want fair refereeing, it's not good for football, we're driving people from the stadiums because of what's happening in the last months in our football.
For two months there has been talk about why that team is not in the play-off… And in Cluj there was pressure that it is a reserved place, starting in December everyone asked the question how to make that team be in the play-off (no FCSB). It is not written anywhere that FCSB and CFR Cluj must be in the play-off.
However, I think tomorrow will be a nice match and I hope there are no refereeing mistakes. We understand mistakes, they are human, but if you make mistakes only in favor of a team, those are no longer mistakes. Tomorrow we will all be at the stadium to cheer the team, we will be 25-30 thousand. That's what matters: what are you playing for?, you're playing for the fans!”said Silvian Cristescu for Gazeta Sporturilor.
Craiova University eliminated FCSB from the Romanian Cup
In Thursday's duel, Craiova University managed to get a draw and moved into the elimination phase of the Romanian Cup.
FCSB needed a win to advance, but Gigi Becali's side were eliminated.
