To hope to go directly to the Europa League round of 16, FCSB needed at least a draw with Manchester United in the last match of the league phase. With the National Arena full to the brim and the fans close, FCSB started the match well, but with fear.
They handed over possession from the beginning and relied on the counterattack card. Popescu came closest to scoring in the 10th minute, but the ball hit after Radunovici’s cross, narrowly missed the target.
The English had chances, but FCSB could still score through Dawa.
After the break, the collapse of FCSB followed. Garnacho foretold the goal after his shot in the 46th minute hit the post. In the 59th minute, Bruno Fernandes violently hit the ball from 20 meters, but the post saved the hosts again.
The very next moment, the goal arrives, Mainoo throws a ball behind the FCSB defense and Dalot pushes it into the net to the joy of the 3000 British fans. Three minutes later, Bîrligea is close to equalizing, but his shot hits the crossbar.
In the 68th minute, Mainoo seals the fate of the match and scores for 0-2 from Garnacho’s pass.
FCSB loses and will face PAOK Salonic again for a place in the round of 16.
Gear used: Sony A1ii + Sony 300 mm/2.8 & Sony A9ii + Sony 85 mm/1.8
