All About “Noah’s” Opponent in the Conference League: “Universitatea Craiova”

Today, October 23, a match of the second round of the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League will take place in Romania. The Armenian champion “Noah” will play an away game against “Universitatea Craiova.” The match kicks off at 23:00 Yerevan time.

Club History and Status

The football club “Universitatea Craiova” was officially founded in 2013, but is considered the successor of the team with the same name that existed from 1948 to 1991. After the original club’s dissolution, two teams emerged in Romania claiming its heritage. One of them — “Universitatea Craiova 1948” — was relegated to the fourth division last season, while the current “Universitatea Craiova” successfully represents the city at the top level.

The club is the third most popular in Romania, behind only the capital’s giants — FCSB and Dinamo Bucharest. It enjoys support from fans across the country, especially outside Bucharest.

European History and Achievements

“Universitatea Craiova” is one of the most successful Romanian clubs of the 20th century. It was the first Romanian team ever to:

• reach the quarterfinals of the European Cup (1981/82);

• advance to the semifinals of the UEFA Cup (1982/83).

The team plays home matches at the modern “Ion Oblemenco” Stadium, which holds about 30,000 spectators. The club’s fans are known for their spectacular choreography and passionate support.

Modern Era

Over the past eight seasons, “Universitatea Craiova” has consistently ranked among the top four in the Romanian league. Last season, it finished third, earning a spot in the UEFA Conference League. This season marks the team’s first-ever appearance in a European group stage.

Under coach Mirel Rădoi, the team began its qualification campaign in the second round and successively defeated:

• Bosnia’s “Sarajevo” (aggregate 5–2),

• Slovakia’s “Spartak Trnava” (6–4 after extra time),

• Turkey’s “Başakşehir” (5–2).

However, in the first group stage match, the Romanians lost 0–2 to Poland’s “Raków.” In that game, vice-captain and Romanian international defender Vladimir Screciu received a red card and will miss the match against “Noah.” Forward Mihnea Radulescu will also be unavailable due to injury.

International Representation

Eight current national team players feature for “Universitatea Craiova”:

Romania: Nicușor Bancu, Adrian Rus, Vladimir Screciu, Ștefan Baiaram
Cuba: Luis Paradela
Costa Rica: Carlos Mora
Palestine: Assad Al-Hamlawi
Georgia: Anzor Makvabishvili

Some of them are familiar to Armenian fans. For instance, Anzor Makvabishvili played twice against Armenia for Georgia in March 2025. Alexandru Cicâldău, who represented Romania, scored twice against Armenia in the famous 2021 match that ended 3–2 in Armenia’s favor.

Meanwhile, “Noah” midfielder Takuto Oshima previously played for “Universitatea Craiova” last season. Therefore, this upcoming match will be special for the Japanese player — a return to a familiar stadium.