FCSB 3-3 FC Botoșani: Thrilling nine-goal contest ends all square in Bucharest

Romanian Super Liga | 25 May 2026 | Arena Națională, Bucharest

In what was arguably the most entertaining match of the Romanian Super Liga round, Fotbal Club FCSB and FC Botoșani played out a breathless 3-3 draw at the Arena Națională. Six goals, two comebacks, and a late equaliser kept the capacity crowd on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

First-Half Fireworks

FCSB started with typical attacking intent, and they were ahead within five minutes. Darius Olaru curled a free-kick from 25 yards into the top corner, leaving Botoșani’s goalkeeper rooted. The lead lasted only 12 minutes, as Botoșani struck back through Gabriel Popa, who capitalised on a defensive mix-up to slot home from close range.

The home side regained the lead before the half-hour mark. A flowing team move ended with Octavian Popescu tapping in at the far post after a low cross from the left. However, Botoșani refused to wilt, and just before the interval, Paul Achiței headed home from a corner to make it 2-2 at the break.

Second-Half Drama

The second half continued at the same frantic pace. FCSB took the lead for the third time in the 63rd minute – a powerful strike from Andrei Cordea from the edge of the box. Yet Botoșani’s resilience was extraordinary. They pushed forward relentlessly and finally found the equaliser in the 89th minute. A long ball into the box was not cleared, and substitute Alin Șerban fired home through a crowd of bodies to snatch a point.

• Goalscorers: Olaru (5′), Popa (17′), Popescu (28′), Achiței (41′), Cordea (63′), Șerban (89′)
• Yellow cards: FCSB 2 – 3 Botoșani
• Corners: FCSB 7 – 4 Botoșani

Standout Performances

FCSB’s Darius Olaru was instrumental in midfield, providing both a goal and an assist. For Botoșani, Paul Achiței was a constant threat from set pieces, and his goal plus an assist made him the man of the match. The away side showed remarkable character to come back three times.

League Context

The draw leaves FCSB in second place in the Super Liga, now five points adrift of leaders CFR Cluj with eight matches remaining. Botoșani remain in sixth, but their gritty performance will boost morale as they push for a top-six finish. For neutrals, this was a classic Romanian football spectacle.