Ararat-Armenia FC 1 - 0 CS Universitatea Craiova
UEFA Europa League | August 28, 2026

Ararat-Armenia FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 home victory over CS Universitatea Craiova in their UEFA Europa League meeting in Yerevan. The Armenian side produced a disciplined, organized performance to take the advantage, leaving the Romanian visitors with everything to do in the return contest.

Match overview

The match was played at a high tempo but offered few clear-cut openings in the opening half. Both teams were cautious, knowing that a single mistake could prove costly in European competition. Ararat-Armenia grew into the game after halftime, gained control of the midfield, and eventually made their pressure count with the decisive goal.

The decisive moment

Ararat-Armenia broke the deadlock after some patient build-up play. The home side moved the ball across the pitch to stretch Craiova’s defensive line, and a sharp finish gave the goalkeeper little chance. Craiova pushed forward in the closing stages and created some anxious moments, but Ararat-Armenia’s defenders stayed compact and the home goalkeeper made sure his side kept the clean sheet.

What it means

• Ararat-Armenia take a narrow 1-0 lead into the away leg.
• Craiova will be disappointed, but the margin is manageable.
• The result gives Armenian football another night to remember in European club competition.

For Ararat-Armenia, this is exactly the type of result they needed. European ties are often won by the teams that stay disciplined across both legs, and a clean sheet in the first match gives them the foundation to progress. Craiova, meanwhile, will back themselves to overturn the deficit in front of their own supporters.