FCSB has secured their place in the UEFA Europa League Last 16 with a decisive 2-0 victory over PAOK Thessaloniki at the National Arena in the second leg of their playoff tie. This followed their 2-1 away win at Stadio Toumbas in Greece during the first leg, resulting in a 4-1 aggregate score. The qualification marks FCSB’s first appearance in the Europa League knockout stages since the 2017/18 season, where they reached the Last 32.

The team's success can be attributed to the performance of their players, including Bafana Bana defender Siyabonga Ngezana, who started and played the entire match in the return leg on Thursday. Ngezana has been a regular starter for FCSB in the competition, making nine appearances, including against former UEFA Champions League and Europa League winners Manchester United. His presence on the field has seen the team keep three clean sheets and let in nine goals, showcasing his defensive skills.

Following their qualification to the Last 16, the reigning Romanian champions will either face French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyon or German Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt. Both Lyon and Frankfurt sealed qualification to the Last 16 after finishing in the top eight of the Europa League log standings. The Last 16 draw will be conducted on Friday, 21 February, at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland. The team's strategy and tactics will be crucial in determining their success in the next stage of the competition.

The UEFA Europa League has seen several teams compete for a spot in the Last 16, with FCSB missing out on automatic qualification on goal difference after collecting 14 points. They were on par with Scottish Premier League giants Glasgow Rangers, FK Bodø/Glimt of Norway and Belgian Pro League side RSC Anderlecht. The team's performance has been impressive, with notable matches including their win over PAOK Thessaloniki. The match scores were as follows:

• FCSB 2, PAOK Thessaloniki 0
• PAOK Thessaloniki 1, FCSB 2

The aggregate score was 4-1 in favor of FCSB.

The team's journey in the UEFA Europa League will continue, with their next match scheduled to take place after the Last 16 draw. Fans can expect an exciting competition, with top teams competing for the championship title. The tournament schedule and team rankings will be updated after the draw, providing more insight into the competition.