Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Tuesday, 26 May 2026, 22:53 / Updated Tuesday, 26 May 2026 22:53
The former international great Ilie Dumitrescu (57 years old) prefaced the Dinamo – FCSB duel, the play-off final for Romania's last place in the Conference League.
Dinamo – FCSB will play on Friday, May 29, from 8:30 p.m., on the “Arcul de Triumf” arena. Ilie Dumitrescu recalled the fact that so far it has not happened that a team coming from the play-out qualified in front of the one from the play-off at the dam.
Ilie Dumitrescu, before Dinamo – FCSB: “Play-off teams have always qualified”
“Always the teams that were in 3rd or 4th place in the play-offs qualified for the European cups.
So far there hasn't been a balanced match, for someone to say how important it is to give a chance to a play-out team as well. It is clear that it is a final, both teams can save the season”, said Ilie Dumitrescu, at Digi Sport.
The first season this dam took place was 2020-2021. The teams from the play-offs play the final on their own ground.
Play-off finals played so far:
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2021: SEPS – Future 1-0
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2022: Craiova – Botoșani 2-0
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2023: CFR Cluj – FCU Craiova 1-0
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2024: Craiova – U Cluj 2-1
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2025: U Cluj qualified without playing a play-off
How Ilie Dumitrescu sees Dinamo and FCSB: “Two strong teams”
The former great player also gave a brief description of the two opponents:
“Dinamo was one minute away from playing a Cup final, which mattered a lot. They also lost their place directly from Europe. Even if there is no trophy, it will be a loaded match for both teams. Dinamo is a solid team, with a game identity, Kopic's system is very well outlined.
Dinamo and FCSB will play for Romania's last place in the European Cups // photo: Imago Images
I think he has the best possession, even over Craiova. Kopic has an elaborate game, has possession for the vast majority of the game, uses the full-backs very well.
On the other hand, at FCSB we are talking about a more valuable team, with highly experienced players who know how to play important matches. They are aware that a victory with Dinamo would mean a lot for them and for the fans. It would also mean some bonuses for footballers.
So we have all the assets to see a game at the highest level. I repeat, it's the first time we see a tie with two strong teams”.
