The UEFA Champions League first qualifying round concludes in Andorra on Tuesday as Inter Club d’Escaldes host FCSB at Nou Estadi in Encamp. The Romanian champions arrive with a commanding 3-1 advantage from the first leg.
FCSB controlled that game from the outset in Bucharest, creating 14 shots to Inter’s three and putting eight of those on target. They built a 3-0 lead before conceding late, and Inter even missed a penalty that could have tightened the score line further. That performance reflected FCSB’s title-winning form last season, where they combined defensive organisation with consistent attacking output. They also scored well above their expected goals in the first leg, highlighting clinical finishing and good chance creation.
Inter, meanwhile, are no strangers to success in their domestic league, having won four Andorran titles in six seasons. They have lost just once in their last 27 home league matches, a record that underlines their resilience in Encamp. However, their xG in the first leg was low, illustrating how little threat they posed despite the late goal and missed penalty.
FCSB’s recent form includes a Romanian Super Cup win and a long unbeaten streak, while Inter must find a way to compete against a side with European pedigree. The hosts will rely on their home crowd and strong domestic form to try to make this tie competitive, but FCSB remain firm favourites to progress.
How the bookies view it: Visitors heavy favourites
FCSB are strong favourites to win the second leg, priced at 4/9, which implies a 69% chance of victory. Inter Club d’Escaldes are big outsiders at 7/1, equating to about a 13% chance, while the draw is available at 4/1, or roughly 20%. The market also expects goals again after the first leg produced four, with over 2.5 goals at 4/7 (about 64%) and both teams to score at 41/50 (around 55%). These prices reflect FCSB’s dominance and attacking threat, but also suggest Inter have a fair chance of finding the net at home despite the gulf in quality.
Head to Head: Only one previous meeting
The only previous meeting between Inter Club d’Escaldes and FCSB came just last week in the first leg of this UEFA Champions League qualifier. FCSB won that game 3-1 in Bucharest, asserting their superiority with a dominant display. Both sides managed to get on the scoresheet, but FCSB’s attacking quality and experience were clear throughout as they created more chances and finished clinically.
Players to watch: Veteran Miculescu to play role
David Miculescu has started the new season sharply, making an impact both in the league and in Europe. In FCSB’s only league match so far, he played 83 minutes, registered five shots with four on target, and was heavily involved in the attack despite missing two big chances.
That activity underlines both his willingness to shoot and his knack for getting into dangerous positions, even if his finishing could have been more clinical on the day. He also scored in the first leg of this Champions League qualifier against Inter Club d’Escaldes, further showcasing his goal threat. These early performances suggest he is set to play a key role for FCSB again this season, combining high shot volume with good movement and positional awareness in the final third.
Predicted line-ups
FCSB (4-2-3-1): Tarnovanu; Ngezana Dawa Radunovic Cretu; Olaru Sut; Tanase Miculescu Politic; Alibec
Inter Club d’Escaldes (5-3-2): Diaz; Munoz, Muguruza, Puentes, Sanchez, Torres; Alonso, Mohedano, De La Torre; Rafinha, Lopez
Anything else catch the eye?
Backing FCSB on the -1.25 Asian Handicap line looks a sensible bet for Tuesday’s second leg. This market means a two-goal win covers the full stake, while a one-goal win results in a half loss but the Romanian champions have shown they are capable of more.
FCSB have clear quality advantages in both depth and experience. Their pace and precision in attack can exploit Inter’s defensive gaps, particularly when the Andorran side is forced to commit more players forward chasing the tie. Unlike in the first leg, FCSB will also have the benefit of counter-attacking space, which suits their style.
Inter’s defensive home record looks good on paper but has come mostly against much weaker opposition than FCSB. When stepping up to this level, they tend to concede more and struggle to contain opponents.
FCSB also rotate effectively, keeping their squad fresh, and have a history of finishing ties professionally. With motivation to avoid any late scares and the quality to dominate, -1.25 Asian Handicap holds strong value here.
GambleAware