Craiova targets Champions League group stage in Hungary qualifier

Universitatea Craiova is set to begin its quest for a place in the UEFA Champions League group stage, facing Belarusian champion ML Vitebsk in the first qualifying round. This marks a significant return for the Romanian club to Europe's premier club competition after a 35-year absence. Craiova previously competed in the European Cup in 1974, 1980, 1981, and 1991, reaching the quarterfinals in one of those appearances.

The first leg of the tie will be held in Hungary, a consequence of sanctions imposed on Belarus following the conflict in Ukraine. ML Vitebsk, founded in 1971, dissolved in 2016, and re-emerged in 2020, secured their first Belarusian league title this year after finishing second in the 2023/2024 season. Craiova's captain, Nicușor Bancu, expressed the team's determination to secure qualification, ideally in the first match.

"It is a difficult match for me and for the team. It's something new, we hope to play a good game, to live up to expectations," Bancu stated. He acknowledged that Vitebsk might have an advantage due to having played more official matches but expressed confidence in Craiova's preparation. "We have prepared quite well in training camp and I think it will be good for us, we have a pretty good rhythm in training and surely we will rise to the level of the match."

Bancu added that the team will do everything possible to "resolve" the qualification in the first game, though he conceded that the outcome depends on more than just their efforts. He also expressed regret that Craiova cannot play with their supporters in Hungary but urged them to attend the return leg in Craiova on July 15. If Craiova overcomes Vitebsk, they will face the winner of the match between Borac Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Levski Sofia (Bulgaria) in the second qualifying round.