RRI Sports Club – Preview: AEK Athens vs. Universitatea Craiova
The first Romanian team to reach the semifinals of a European Cup faces another potential milestone.
Florin Orban, 17.12.2025, 13:45
Universitatea Craiova stands on the brink of a historic achievement. In its debut season in the revamped European competition format featuring a main league phase, the Romanian club qualified to Europa Conference League and now eyes the knockout rounds. On Thursday, Craiova travels to face Greek side AEK in Athens, where a strong result could secure a spot among the top 24 in the final standings and a direct path to the playoffs. Currently, Universitatea sits 23rd with 7 points, tied with teams from 20th to 24th positions, while those ranked 14th to 19th have one more point. AEK ranks 4th with 10 points, targeting a direct round-of-16 berth via a top-eight finish.
AEK enjoys home advantage and boasts a higher-valued squad on the transfer market, including Romania international midfielder Răzvan Marin, one of the national team’s most prized assets. In five Conference League matches so far, AEK has won three, against Aberdeen, Fiorentina and Samsunspor. It drew against Ireland’s Shamrock Rovers, and lost to Slovenia’s Celje. In the Greek Super League, after 14 rounds, the team ranks second, one point behind leaders Olympiakos. Recent results include a 0-2 loss to Olympiakos, a 3-2 derby win against arch-rivals Panathinaikos, and a 5-0 away victory at Panetolikos last Sunday.
Universitatea Craiova has secured wins over Rapid Vienna and Mainz. It drew against Armenia’s Noah and lost to Poland’s Rakow and at home to Sparta Prague. In the domestic championship, Universitatea ranks 4th, just two points behind leaders Rapid Bucharest, following a 2-0 away win against FC Hermannstadt in Sibiu last Sunday. (VP)
