Article by Andrei Crăiţoiu, Cezar Titor – published Monday, August 25, 2025, 17:12 / Updated Monday, August 25, 20:12
Craiova University is preparing for the decisive duel with Istanbul Bașakșehir, on Thursday, at 8:30 pm, on the “Ion Oblemenco” stadium. After the victory with 2-1 of the tour, the Oltenians dream of qualifying in the Conference League groups, in an incandescent atmosphere, with over 30,000 spectators expected in the stands.
The midfielder Alexandru Crețu is preparing for the return sleeve of the Conference League play-off, against the Istanbul Basakșehir band. In the tour match, played in Turkey, the Oltenians prevailed with 2-1.
Craiova University – Istanbul Basakșehir, Thursday from 20:30
“There is a big match, a very important match. We have achieved a good result in Turkey and we expect the stadium to be full! To support us unconditionally, and we will fight for them ”, said the footballer.
Asked how the team will approach the match, Crețu replied promptly: “It's simple! We don't have to change anything about what we did there. In the end we will be qualified, this is the most important.”
It would be very good for two Romanian teams to reach groups. It would count for the country's coefficient, for Romania. We have a young team, and some players can go to clubs larger than Craiova
Alexandru Crețu, midfielder Craiova
“We must have the same attitude as in Turkey”
And Vasile Mogoș sent a clear and direct message to the supporters: “On Thursday we do not only need 11 players, but 30,000 people. Not only the team is enough, we need the whole city!”.
Speaking of the confrontation on Thursday, the defender added: “We must have the same attitude as in Turkey. Nothing was wrong and we have to repeat the same match. I am glad that we play at home and I hope we have as many supporters with us.”
“I hope to enter the group stage”
For his part, Georgian Anazor Mekvabishvili said: “In Istanbul I met a very good team. They have quality players, with names, who have evolved in strong championships and big teams.”
“We were united and played very well, so we want to keep the same level and in return. If we put at least as much effort as in the tour, I think we will get a positive result. I hope to reach the group stage, ”said the 24 -year -old midfielder.
Last tickets for Craiova – Istanbul Basakșehir
Until Sunday, at 6:00 pm, over 16,000 tickets for Thursday night had already been sold. “Some of them are subscriptions, and the rest were purchased in the package,” the club officials said.
In the following days, The University will also put up for sale exclusively for confrontation with Istanbul Bașakșehir, about 10-11 thousand tickets. Thus, at the time of the match, the “volcano” in Bănie could host around 30,000 spectators.
