Sparta Prague – FCSB set a new record in Romania: the most important match in the last many years that was not seen on TV! The reason? The new aggressive marketing strategy, implemented by Pro TV, for the promotion of the online platform, VOYO.ro.
Dawa scored a crucial goal for FCSB in the match against Sparta Prague. PHOTO: The Truth Archive
As a result, although the station from Pache Protopopescu had the rights to the match from the third preliminary round of the Champions League, when the whistle blew to start the meeting on Pro TV it was broadcast… Las Fierbinți!
Sent in front of the monitors, the fans of the Romanian champion, who paid 4 euros to create an account on VOYO, and accessed the pirated sites, had something to see! Because FCSB started the game very well, with monumental opportunities wasted by Șut (10) and Miculescu (22). The Czechs’ reply came just before half-time when Sorensen headed over from six yards, unmarked, but the ball went over the bar. At halftime, Sparta Prague – FCSB was 0-0.
The second half also started with a great goal chance for the Romanian champions, but Baeten, introduced at halftime in place of Daniel Popa, did not reach Olaru’s cross in time (50). After another wasted opportunity by the Romanians, through Băluță (60), FCSB was finally rewarded for its very good performance. From the corner that was obtained after Băluță’s miss, the score was opened by Dawa with a header (61).
From 1-0 for FCSB, of course, the guests took a step back, and Sparta increased the pressure on the goal defended by Ștefan Târnovanu. Unfortunately, the Bucharest international made a mistake in the 78th minute, and the Nigerian Victor Olatunji restored the tie: 1-1.
The final part belonged entirely to the hosts. Sparta hit the crossbar in the 90+2 minute, and then scored through Kairinen (90+3). However, it ended 1-1, after the success of the Czechs was canceled after the VAR analysis due to a foul in the attack.
The FCSB – Sparta Prague return leg will be played on August 13 at the Steaua Stadium, from 9:30 p.m. For now, there is no information regarding the televising of the game. All we know is that there are two options for the continuation of the European route of the Romanian champion.
Specifically, if it passes Sparta Prague, FCSB will reach the play-offs of the Champions League. Here, they would meet the winner of the PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece) – Malmo (Sweden) double. In the round, the score was 2-2 on the field of the Swedes. FCSB would play the first leg, away, on August 20 or 21, and the second leg in Bucharest, on August 27 or 28.
If, however, FCSB will be eliminated by Sparta Prague, then the team financed by Gigi Becali will continue its European journey in the Europa League play-offs. Here, they would meet LASK Linz (Austria) for a place in the groups. The Romanian champions would play the first match, away, on August 22, and the second leg in Bucharest, on August 29.
Romanian teams in European cups
Champions League, preliminary round III
Today: Sparta Prague (Czech Republic) – FCSB 1-1
August 13: FCSB – Sparta Prague 21.30
Conference League, preliminary round III
Thursday: Corvinul Hunedoara – Astana (Kazakhstan) 21.00
The match will be played in Sibiu. The return is scheduled for August 15.
Thursday: Maccabi Petah Tikva (Israel) – CFR Cluj 21.00
The match will be played in Sofia. The return is scheduled for August 15.
