As the UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round heats up, FCSB welcome Shkendija to Arena Națională in Bucharest on July 30, 2025. This meeting is crucial for both teams’ European ambitions, and while the bookmakers rate FCSB as strong favourites, Shkendija have already upset the odds once in this tie, earning a 1-0 away win last week. The match promises tactical intrigue, especially given that both teams typically favour a 4-2-3-1 system that facilitates aggressive transitions and midfield duels.
Two key players to keep an eye on are FCSB’s creative force Florin Tănase, who scored and assisted in his last five matches, and Shkendija’s Adamu Alhassan, the midfield engine who has netted twice in the same period. Their ability to influence tempo and create chances could be decisive.
Hot stat: FCSB have fired 90 shots and earned 34 corners across their last five games, underlining their relentless attacking approach even when chasing the scoreline.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA Champions League 2025/26, Second Qualifying Round |
| 🏟 Venue: | Arena Națională, Bucharest |
| 🗓️ Date: | 30.07.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 20:30 CEST |
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FCSB vs Shkendija prediction
Given FCSB’s attacking output, higher match sharpness (nine games in the last 30 days versus Shkendija’s five), and their clear home advantage, backing FCSB to win with an Asian Handicap (-1) represents significant value. Shkendija’s resilience and ability to frustrate favourites, however, should not be overlooked—especially having taken the first leg 1-0. Nevertheless, FCSB’s statistical dominance in shots (90 in five matches) and corners (34 over the same period) highlight their likelihood of overwhelming their North Macedonian opponents.
Both teams tend to play aggressively, with FCSB accumulating 41 fouls and 13 yellow cards in their last five outings, while Shkendija have kept things tighter defensively (just 7 yellows and minimal interceptions). FCSB’s superior ball possession, pass accuracy (over 80 percent across key midfielders), and a tendency for late goals could see them overturn the deficit. Expect an open game if FCSB score early, amplifying goal and corner counts.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | FCSB -1 Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 9.5 |
Team Analysis
FCSB: FCSB come into this match on mixed recent form, but with an attacking mindset. Their last match ended in a narrow 1-2 home defeat to Farul Constanta, despite dominating possession and creating 20 shots. Their recent run reads: win, win, win, draw, then two consecutive losses—demonstrating both offensive bite and some defensive lapses. Importantly, in their last fixture against Shkendija, despite losing 0-1, FCSB dominated in shots, corners, and possession, hinting that clinical finishing is all that’s missing for a turnaround.
Shkendija: Shkendija’s latest match was a 0-1 defeat to Shkupi, a game where they struggled to create high-quality opportunities. However, their morale will be boosted from the 1-0 shock victory at FCSB in the first leg, thanks largely to tactical discipline and Alhassan’s energetic box-to-box play. Their previous matches suggest a team that is tough to break down, prioritising defensive compactness over attacking flair.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | FCSB | Shkendija |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 13 | 6 |
| Free kicks | 14 | 13 |
| Corner kicks | 8 | 2 |
| Total fouls | 17 | 10 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 81 | 75 |
| Interceptions | 7 | 4 |
| Offsides | 2 | 1 |
🚨Read our full FCSB vs Shkendija stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: FCSB the favourite
- Moneyline FCSB 1.23 | Shkendija 11.50
- Draw 6.40
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.80 | Under 2.5 2.00
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.15 | No 1.70
With FCSB’s average odds at 1.23 to win, bookmakers firmly back the Romanian side to come out on top at home. The long odds for Shkendija reflect both the perceived gulf in attacking quality and Shkendija’s modest scoring record in away continental fixtures. Over/Under markets suggest a likely open affair with FCSB pushing hard to overturn the deficit—the value lies in backing goals and a home win.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Possible Starting Lineups

FCSB possible starting eleven
- GK: Ștefan Târnovanu
- DF: Mihai Popescu, Siyabonga Ngezana, Grigoras Pantea, Risto Radunović
- MF: Darius Olaru, Adrian Sut, Florin Tănase, David Miculescu, Basiru Alhassan
- FW: Alexandru Stoian
Expect FCSB to deploy their usual 4-2-3-1. Târnovanu remains the firm number one in goal, with Popescu and Ngezana providing the defensive backbone. Tănase’s creativity from midfield, along with Olaru and Miculescu’s dynamic runs, will be crucial as FCSB chase a result. Alexandru Stoian leads the line after his recent goal, while wing-backs Radunović and Pantea push forward to stretch Shkendija’s defence.

Shkendija possible starting eleven
- GK: Baboucarr Gaye
- DF: Klisman Cake, Aleksander Trumci, I. Fetai, Arbin Zejnulai
- MF: Adamu Alhassan, Kamer Qaka, Endrit Krasniqi, Ronaldo Romario Webster
- FW: Fabrice Tamba, Liridon Latifi
Shkendija will stick to their 4-2-3-1 system. Gaye’s shot-stopping will be vital, especially if FCSB pepper the goal as expected. Cake and Trumci anchor a disciplined back line, with Qaka and Krasniqi shielding the defence and looking to launch quick counters. Alhassan’s box-to-box presence and Tamba’s energy up front could cause problems for a FCSB back line that has looked shaky under pressure.
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Shkendija. Source: Official Instagram. Edited photo
The Verdict
Main pick: FCSB to win by a margin of at least two goals. The stats and playing styles indicate FCSB are primed for a strong attacking display, particularly at home with their high shot and corner counts. Expect Shkendija to defend deep and push on the counter, but FCSB’s superior quality and squad depth, along with their pressing urgency after an unexpected first-leg defeat, should prove decisive. For those seeking value, combining FCSB to win and Over 2.5 goals is a compelling option with positive odds.
