FCSB 3-2 FC Botosani: Early Goals and Late Drama in Liga 1

Match: 17 August 2026, 18:30 UTC · Published: 17 August 2026 · 377 words

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Explosive Opening Leaves Score at 2-2

FCSB secured a 3-2 victory over FC Botosani in Liga 1 after a match that produced four goals inside the first 14 minutes. The home side took the lead in the fourth minute when a goal was scored by an unavailable scorer. FC Botosani equalised four minutes later through another unavailable scorer. Joao Paulo restored FCSB's advantage in the 10th minute with a normal goal. FC Botosani levelled again in the 14th minute via an unavailable scorer.

These rapid exchanges set a frantic tone. The timeline showed early pressure from both teams with shots from Joao Paulo in the first minute and Stefan Bodisteanu twice in the third minute. Corners arrived frequently in the opening stages for the visitors before FCSB began to dominate set pieces later.

First-Half Flow and Key Stats

The first half featured constant interruptions through fouls and throw-ins. FCSB committed 11 fouls while FC Botosani recorded 13. Away side throw-ins reached 26 against FCSB's 19. A yellow card was shown to Joao Paulo in the 18th minute. FCSB finished the match with 13 corners to FC Botosani's five. Expected goals sat close at 1.93 for FCSB and 1.78 for FC Botosani.

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Shot data highlighted FCSB's attacking volume. Daniel Birligea registered four shots on target. Andre Duarte had three shots and one on target. Joao Paulo, Florin Tanase and Juri Cisotti each contributed multiple efforts. On the away side Mykola Kovtalyuk recorded one shot on target and one woodwork hit. Stefan Bodisteanu had two shots. FCSB players also recorded three assists in total from Juri Cisotti and Octavian Popescu.

Both teams ended with two yellow cards for FCSB and four for FC Botosani. No red cards were issued. The clock reached 90+6 with six minutes of injury time added.

Second-Half Resolution and Takeaway

After the interval FCSB found the decisive goal to move ahead for good and claim the three points. The home side's higher corner count and greater number of shots on target proved decisive in separating the sides despite the narrow expected goals margin. FC Botosani created chances but could not find a third equaliser.

Overall the match showcased open play with both teams trading early blows before FCSB's set-piece superiority and clinical moments on target secured the result. For more Liga 1 coverage and live scores visit AltBets.