Universitatea Craiova draws 1-1 with Ararat Armenia in Europa League play-off

Universitatea Craiova drew 1-1 against Ararat Armenia in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League play-off at the Ion Oblemenco Stadium. Alexandros Malis opened the scoring for the Armenian side in the 20th minute following a header from a set piece. Craiova responded in the 33rd minute when captain Nicușor Bancu scored with a powerful shot into the far corner after an assist from Alex Cicâldău.

The match saw significant tension, including a goal by Ararat's Sandro Lima that was disallowed by VAR for offside. The draw leaves the qualification for the Europa League group stage undecided, with the decisive second leg scheduled for August 27 in Yerevan, Armenia.

In the aftermath, Craiova officials expressed dissatisfaction with the performance, describing the result as a ‘semi-failure’. Additionally, the club's request to the Professional Football League (LPF) to postpone their upcoming domestic match against FC Voluntari to allow for better preparation was rejected, meaning the team must proceed with their SuperLiga schedule.