CS Universitatea Craiova 1–0 Maxline Vitebsk
UEFA Champions League – First Qualifying Round, First Leg
Date: 16 July 2026 | Kick‑off: 01:30 (local)

Match Overview

CS Universitatea Craiova took a slender but vital advantage into the second leg of their Champions League first qualifying round tie with a hard‑fought 1‑0 home victory over Belarusian champions Maxline Vitebsk. The Romanian side, making their return to Europe’s elite competition after a decade‑long absence, showed discipline and defensive solidity in a tightly‑contested affair at the Stadionul Ion Oblemenco.

Key Moment

The only goal of the game arrived just after the half‑hour mark. A quick break from deep saw right‑back Vladislav Mitrea overlap and deliver a low cross into the box. Striker Andrei Ivan cleverly dummied the ball, creating space for Alexandru Băluță, who swept a first‑time shot past Vitebsk goalkeeper Yaroslav Khariton. It was a moment of quality that separated two otherwise evenly‑matched sides.

Tactical Battle

Craiova’s manager Mihai Rotaru set his team up in a compact 4‑2‑3‑1, looking to absorb pressure and hit on the counter. Vitebsk, under Sergei Tolkach, dominated possession (58%) but struggled to break down a well‑organized Romanian backline. The Belarusians created only two clear chances: a long‑range effort from Maksim Slavashevich that flew wide, and a late header from substitute Artsyom Dobrunev that was well saved by David Lazar.

Standout Players

• Alexandru Băluță (Craiova) – Scored the winner and worked tirelessly in midfield, completing 91% of his passes.
• David Lazar (Craiova) – The goalkeeper’s clean sheet with a crucial late save kept the tie firmly in his side’s favour.
• Maksim Slavashevich (Vitebsk) – Created the most chances for the visitors and was a constant threat from set pieces.

Season & Table Impact

The win gives CS Universitatea Craiova a narrow lead to defend in the return leg in Belarus on 23 July. The winner of this tie will face either Ferencváros or Dinamo Minsk in the second qualifying round. For Maxline Vitebsk, their hopes of reaching the group stage for the first time now rest on overturning the deficit in front of their own fans.

Man of the Match: Alexandru Băluță (CS Universitatea Craiova)