In a dramatic conclusion to their Champions League preliminary round match, Universitatea Craiova drew 2-2 with Levski Sofia, resulting in a 3-2 aggregate elimination. Following the game, tensions flared in the tunnel leading to the locker rooms, involving key figures from both teams.
The altercation prominently featured Mario Felgueiras, 39, the sporting director of Craiova, and 26-year-old midfielder Serginho from Levski. According to reports, the conflict ignited when Serginho allegedly threatened Felgueiras, stating, “I will kill your kids in Portugal!” accompanied by a series of insults directed at Felgueiras’s family.
The heated exchange in Portuguese escalated into a physical confrontation, prompting intervention from teammates and officials. Images captured post-match show defender Oleksandr Romanchuk attempting to calm Felgueiras as players and staff from both sides gathered around, creating a chaotic scene.
Although tensions reached a peak, the situation did not escalate into a full-blown fight. Security personnel were quick to separate the individuals involved, escorting them to their respective locker rooms. The president of Levski Sofia also played a crucial role in defusing the situation, intervening to pull Serginho away from the conflict and directing him towards the locker room.
In response to the incident, Levski officials requested additional security measures from UEFA for their departure from the stadium, citing concerns over potential further altercations.
I am proud of them. I cannot comment on their effort. No one has reached the Champions League from Romania in recent years. Perhaps we should all assess why that is. It’s been said that Universitatea Craiova should go to the Champions League. Why? No one has in the last 14 years. Now there’s pressure on the coach and players. Do they think their opponents are easy? Now we are not in the Champions League. We need to continue working and look at the positives. We did all we could. – Filipe Coelho after the match.
Photo Gallery: Moments from the Craiova vs. Levski Sofia Match
