CS Universitatea Craiova 2-1 FC Botosani: Second-Half Comeback Lifts Hosts in Romanian Super Liga

CS Universitatea Craiova produced a determined second-half response to beat FC Botosani 2-1 in the Romanian Super Liga at the Stadionul Ion Oblemenco, turning a frustrating evening into an important three points in the race for the championship play-off places.

Botosani had taken an early lead against the run of play, but Craiova stayed patient, equalised before half-time and found the winning goal in the closing stages. The result keeps the hosts firmly in the upper half of the table and underlines their ability to grind out results even when the performance is not entirely fluent.

Match overview

Craiova controlled possession from the opening whistle, pushing their full-backs high and looking to isolate Botosani’s wide defenders. The visitors, however, were compact and dangerous on the break. That approach paid off in the 18th minute when a quick transition exposed Craiova’s stretched back line and a low finish from the right channel silenced the home crowd.

The goal forced Craiova to increase the tempo. Their midfield began to win more second balls, and the equaliser arrived four minutes before half-time. Alexandru Mitriță cut in from the left, exchanged a short pass and curled a composed finish beyond the goalkeeper to restore parity at a crucial moment.

The second half was largely one-way traffic. Craiova dominated territory, but Botosani defended deep and relied on counterattacks. The decisive moment came in the 84th minute when Jovan Marković met a low cross inside the penalty area and converted from close range, sparking loud celebrations around the Ion Oblemenco Stadium.

Key moments

• 18’ – Botosani take the lead: A fast break down the right ends with a low finish into the far corner.
• 41’ – Craiova equalise: Alexandru Mitriță curls a precise effort beyond the goalkeeper after cutting inside.
• 68’ – Craiova denied: Botosani’s goalkeeper makes a strong save from a close-range header.
• 84’ – Winning goal: Jovan Marković finishes a low cross from inside the six-yard box.
• 90+3’ – Late pressure survived: Craiova clear a dangerous Botosani corner to secure the win.

Tactical story

Craiova’s build-up was patient but sometimes too slow against a well-organised Botosani block. The hosts found more joy after the break by moving the ball faster from side to side and getting their attacking midfielders closer to the striker. Botosani’s 4-4-2 shape protected the central corridor for long spells, but the visitors tired late on and struggled to close down crosses in the final fifteen minutes.

The home side’s willingness to keep pushing ultimately made the difference. Craiova finished with far more possession and shots, while Botosani will rue their inability to hold on for what would have been a valuable away point.

Standout players

Mitriță was central to Craiova’s comeback, offering creativity between the lines and scoring the equaliser that changed the mood of the match. Marković’s movement in the box produced the winning goal, while Craiova’s midfield duo grew stronger as the game wore on. For Botosani, the goalkeeper kept his side in contention with several important saves before the late breakthrough.

What it means

The victory strengthens Craiova’s position in the Romanian Super Liga standings and keeps them in the conversation for the championship play-off group. For Botosani, the defeat leaves them with little margin for error in their battle to climb away from the lower reaches of the table. Craiova’s next fixture will test whether this comeback can become a platform for a more consistent run.