Ilie Dumitrescu saw the last matches and modified the calculations: “He will be in the play-offs”
Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Monday, October 20, 2025, 08:30 / Updated Monday, October 20, 2025 08:31
Former international Ilie Dumitrescu (56 years old) analyzed the play-off battle in the current Superliga season, with two stages left to play before the end of the tour. The surprise leader of the moment is FC Botoșani, which is why he believes that the Moldovan team cannot miss a top 6 appearance this season.
Although about two weeks ago he was reluctant regarding the chances of the Moldovans to access the play-off this season, now, seeing a new success of Leo Grozavu's team, which won 2-0 away from Cluj, with the University, Ilie Dumitrescu is convinced that the formation from the north of the country will be one of the 6 teams that after 30 stages will fight in the leading platoon.
After 13 stages of the Super League, FC Botoșani is in first place, with 28 points, tied with Rapid and one point ahead of Craiova University, the other two teams on the podium.
Dinamo (23 points), FC Argeș (23 points) and Oțelul Galați (19 points) are the other teams that complete the play-off places at the moment. CFR Cluj and FCSB, the vice-champion and the champion, with 13 points each, are in 11th and 12th places, respectively.
Ilie Dumitrescu bets that FC Botoșani will be in the play-offs
“For me it is no longer a surprise that he is in the first position and with the best attack. He has a consistent, aggressive game with advanced pressing.
Grozavu totally surprised me. It has a substantial advantage. He wins important games and I think he will be in the play-offs.
It is very difficult, the distance is very long. They look like a play-off team at the moment”, said Ilie Dumitrescu, quoted by digisport.ro.
I maintain my opinion that it will be very difficult for Botoșani to stay in the play-offs, even after 12 stages. It should have continuity. It's a sensational course, but I think Grozavu is also aware that it will be difficult to keep the team in the top six. We have: Rapid, Craiova and Dinamo, who will stay there. And you also have FCSB and CFR.
– Ilie Dumitrescu, at the beginning of October
Up-to-date standings in the Superliga
