On Monday, October 19, 2026, FCSB is set to face FC Voluntari in the final fixture of the Romanian SuperLiga’s 12th round. The match, scheduled for 21:00 local time at the ‘Anghel Iordănescu’ Stadium in Voluntari, sees FCSB aiming for another victory under newly re-appointed coach Laurențiu Reghecampf against a struggling home side.
FCSB enters the game placed tenth in the league table with 15 points from 11 matches, seeking to solidify its position for a play-off spot. Their opponents, FC Voluntari, currently sit in fifteenth place with 8 points, having suffered three consecutive defeats. This match marks Reghecampf’s second game in charge, following a narrow 1-0 win against Oțelul Galați in his return to the bench.
The starting lineup for FCSB, operating in a 4-2-3-1 formation, features Ștefan Târnovanu in goal; a defensive line of Valentin Crețu, Andre Duarte, Joyskim Dawa, and Ricardo Pădurariu; a midfield pairing of Karlo Muhar and Risto Radunovic; an attacking trio of David Miculescu, Juri Cisotti, and Meriton Korenica; and Arnold Garita leading the attack. FC Voluntari’s lineup, also a 4-2-3-1, includes Mihai Jurhar; Bogdan Haruț, Marko Cestic, Ștefan Dumbrăvanu, and Robert Șuteu in defense; Ionuț Gheorghe and Răzvan Cvek in central midfield; Andreas Schieb, Daniel Merloi, and Mihai Guțea supporting from wider positions; and Runar Babic as the lone striker.
Tactical Choices and Player Surprises
A notable decision by Coach Reghecampf is the deployment of Risto Radunovic in central midfield alongside Muhar. Radunovic, typically a left-back, had not featured for FCSB since August 23 and is playing in an unfamiliar role, a choice that surprised many given the availability of other central midfielders like Eddy Gnahore, Ofri Arad, and Joao Paulo on the bench, as reported by Digi Sport. Reghecampf explained this move as an effort to enhance ‘balance between offensive and defensive’ play, praising Radunovic’s technical ability and reliability. He also noted the need to consider the U21 rule, which Pădurariu’s strong performance helped address.
Furthermore, Reghecampf opted to keep Arnold Garita in the starting forward position, despite owner Gigi Becali’s prior suggestion, according to Digi Sport, that Alex Stoian should start after the Oțelul match. Stoian, a youth international, had faced health issues and participated in only one training session before the game, making him likely unprepared for extended play. FCSB will also be without Denis Drăguș and Ngezana due to injuries, with Drăguș anticipated to return for the upcoming match against Rapid. Radunovic, whose contract expires on December 31, has shown no signs of renewal from the club.
Pre-Match Dynamics and League Implications
The atmosphere at the ‘Anghel Iordănescu’ Stadium was reportedly chaotic leading up to the match. GSP noted that both teams arrived simultaneously, causing disorganization as players entered the arena, requiring security intervention. Some FCSB players nearly entered the home team’s changing room due to a lack of proper guidance. Weather conditions included heavy rain, and while the pitch appeared in good condition from a distance, closer inspection revealed minor imperfections that could impact play without suitable footwear.
For an international readership, while the immediate impact of a Romanian SuperLiga match on global markets or travel is minimal, these games offer insight into the competitive dynamics of European football outside the major leagues. They serve as a crucial platform for player development and scouting, where performances can influence future transfer movements to more prominent leagues. The strategic choices made by coaches, such as Reghecampf’s surprising deployment of Radunovic, and the overall trajectory of clubs like FCSB and FC Voluntari, are closely watched by scouts and analysts, highlighting the broader ecosystem of professional football.
As the match unfolds, all eyes will be on Reghecampf’s tactical adjustments and whether his unexpected midfield choice for Radunovic will deliver the desired stability and a crucial victory for FCSB, or if FC Voluntari can capitalize on their home advantage to break their losing streak in this key SuperLiga encounter.
Image: Ilustracion generada con IA
Sources consulted
- GSP: LIVE. FC Voluntari – FCSB » Meciul care închide etapa în Superliga! Echipele
- Digi Sport: Echipa FCSB-ului în meciul cu FC Voluntari: o mare surpriză + Laurențiu Reghecampf n-a ținut cont de ce a spus Gigi Becali
- Sport.ro: Denis Drăguș, OUT! Anunțul lui MM Stoica înainte de FC Voluntari – FCSB
Bruno Kadez is a sports writer focused on performance, competition, and athlete insights. He covers major sporting events, player analysis, and trending stories across leagues. His reporting captures both the data and the emotion behind the game.
