CS Universitatea Craiova earned a controlled 2-0 victory over Egnatia in the UEFA Europa Conference League on 6 November 2026, with two second-half goals and a clean sheet at the Ion Oblemenco Stadium. Craiova’s patience and pressing eventually broke down a disciplined Egnatia side, and the Romanian club managed the closing stages with maturity.

Match overview

The first half was a study in patience. Craiova dominated possession but found Egnatia’s low defensive block difficult to penetrate. The visitors sat deep, limited space between the lines, and looked to counter through quick transitions. Craiova’s best chances came from set pieces and shots from distance, but the breakthrough did not arrive before half-time.

Craiova finally opened the scoring in the 58th minute when Alexandru Mitriță curled a free-kick over the wall and into the top corner. The goal forced Egnatia to push higher, and that created the space Craiova needed. The second goal arrived in the 79th minute when Jovan Marković finished a fast counter-attack, running onto a through ball and sliding his shot beyond the goalkeeper.

Egnatia tried to respond in the final ten minutes, but Craiova’s defence stayed compact and dealt comfortably with crosses into the box. The home side saw out the match without serious alarm to claim a important three points.

Key moments

• 27th minute: Craiova’s first clear chance is blocked after a short corner routine.
• 44th minute: Egnatia’s goalkeeper saves brightly from a long-range effort.
• 58th minute: Alexandru Mitriță scores a superb free-kick to break the deadlock.
• 71st minute: Egnatia heads narrowly wide from a rare corner.
• 79th minute: Jovan Marković doubles the lead on a rapid counter-attack.
• 90+2 minutes: Craiova goalkeeper claims a late cross to secure the clean sheet.

Tactical story

Craiova’s approach was built on control rather than speed. Their midfield kept the ball moving, drawing Egnatia out of shape and creating space for Mitriță between the lines. The full-backs provided width, but Craiova were careful not to leave themselves exposed to Egnatia’s counter-attacks.

Egnatia’s 5-4-1 defensive structure worked well for long periods. They blocked central lanes and forced Craiova into wide areas, where crosses were often cleared. Once Craiova scored, however, Egnatia had to commit more players forward, and that opened the space for the second goal. Craiova’s game management in the final phase was particularly impressive.

Standout performers

Mitriță was the match-winner with his free-kick and constant creativity in the final third. Marković’s movement and clinical finish gave Craiova breathing room, while the centre-back pairing dealt confidently with Egnatia’s late aerial threat. Egnatia’s goalkeeper kept the scoreline respectable with several fine saves.

What the result means

The win gives Craiova three important points in the UEFA Europa Conference League and reinforces their strength at home. The clean sheet will also please the coaching staff, as will the team’s patience against a deep defensive block. Egnatia leave with a difficult lesson: they defended well for long spells but could not hold out once Craiova found the breakthrough.