Liga I, the top tier of Romanian football, has a rich and storied history, home to passionate fan bases, intense rivalries, and some of the most exciting matches in Eastern European football. With teams like FCSB, CFR Cluj, Universitatea Craiova, and Dinamo Bucharest often battling for dominance, Liga I has seen its share of triumphs and struggles, producing some remarkable talent along the way.
In this article, we will explore the current Liga I standings, analyze the top teams, examine the key players, and answer frequently asked questions about the league’s current season. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of where the league stands today, both in terms of rankings and its historical context.
A Brief History of Liga I
Liga I was founded in 1909 and is one of the oldest football leagues in Europe. Over the years, it has produced several teams that have achieved significant success in European competitions. The league has been home to a number of legendary football clubs, such as Steaua Bucharest (now FCSB), Dinamo Bucharest, CFR Cluj, and Universitatea Craiova.
The league operates on a system of promotion and relegation with Liga II, the second tier of Romanian football. The current format of Liga I features 16 teams that compete for the championship, and the competition runs from the summer to the spring, typically starting in July and finishing in May.
The Format of Liga I
The Liga I season is divided into two main parts: the regular season and the playoff stage. The top six teams at the end of the regular season enter the Championship Group, where they battle for the title, European competition spots, and potential qualification for the Romanian Cup. The remaining 10 teams enter the Relegation Group, where they fight to avoid the drop to Liga II.
Promotion and Relegation
At the end of the season, the teams that finish in the bottom two positions of the league are relegated to Liga II, while the top two teams from Liga II are promoted to Liga I. The fight for survival and promotion always adds a level of drama to the league’s concluding weeks, making the end of the season particularly thrilling for fans.
Liga I Standings 2025: The Current Situation
As of 2025, CFR Cluj is once again leading the Liga I standings, continuing their dominance in recent years. The club, based in Cluj-Napoca, has become the most successful team in Romanian football in the past decade. With multiple league titles in the 2010s and early 2020s, CFR Cluj remains a powerhouse in the competition.
Under the management of Dan Petrescu, CFR Cluj has maintained its position at the top of the league. Their success is built on strong defensive organization, tactical discipline, and key individual performances. Players like Paulo Vinícius, Mario Camora, and Rafael Bastos have been instrumental in maintaining the club’s high standards.
CFR Cluj has also made a significant mark on the European stage in recent seasons, qualifying for UEFA competitions and competing at a high level. Their consistent performances have kept them as the team to beat in Liga I.
Challengers: FCSB and Universitatea Craiova
In second place, FCSB (formerly Steaua Bucharest) remains one of the most popular and historically successful clubs in Romania. After a period of instability, FCSB has returned to the upper reaches of Liga I. The club has been rebuilding under new management, with a focus on young talent and a more balanced approach to both attacking and defensive play.
Universitatea Craiova, one of the most storied clubs in Romanian football, is also a strong contender in the Liga I standings. Known for their passionate fanbase, Craiova has been consistently in the hunt for the league title in recent seasons. Their success is often attributed to their attacking football and the contributions of star players such as Alexandru Cicâldău and Andrei Ivan.
The Mid-Table Battle
While CFR Cluj, FCSB, and Craiova dominate the upper portion of the standings, the mid-table is always a competitive zone. Teams such as FC Voluntari, FC Argeș, and CS Mioveni are often in the mix, vying for spots in the top six and qualification for European competitions. These clubs usually perform well in the regular season but tend to struggle when the competition intensifies in the Championship Group. The fight for mid-table security is also important as it determines the overall ranking and qualification for the Romanian Cup, which offers another pathway to European football.
The Relegation Zone: The Struggle to Survive
At the other end of the table, the relegation battle in Liga I is always intense. Clubs like Dinamo Bucharest and Gaz Metan Mediaș have found themselves in this precarious position in recent seasons. These teams must fight hard to secure enough points to avoid the drop to Liga II.
In 2025, Dinamo Bucharest, one of the most iconic football clubs in Romania, finds itself in a difficult situation. Struggling financially and facing internal management issues, Dinamo’s relegation would be a huge blow to Romanian football, considering their storied past and large fanbase.
Other teams in the relegation fight include Chindia Târgoviște, FC Botoșani, and UTA Arad. These clubs are battling for survival, knowing that finishing in the bottom two positions will result in relegation to Liga II.
Top Scorers and Impact Players
As the 2025 Liga I season progresses, several players have emerged as key contributors for their respective teams. These players are not only instrumental in their teams’ success but also play a crucial role in the overall competitiveness of the league.
Denis Alibec (FCSB): A proven goalscorer, Alibec has been central to FCSB’s offensive play. His physicality, skill, and ability to find the back of the net make him one of the league’s top players.
Alexandru Cicâldău (Universitatea Craiova): A dynamic midfielder, Cicâldău has been pivotal in Craiova’s quest for the title. His vision, passing range, and leadership on the field have earned him recognition both domestically and internationally.
George Pușcaș (FC Voluntari): Pușcaș has been one of the breakout stars of Liga I. The striker has impressed with his pace and ability to finish chances, making him a key player for FC Voluntari.
Rafael Bastos (CFR Cluj): The Brazilian midfielder has been an integral part of CFR Cluj’s success. His technical skill, work rate, and ability to control the game have helped the team maintain its dominance at the top of the table.
Rising Stars to Watch
Liga I is also home to young, talented players who could soon be making a name for themselves in European football. Youngsters like Andrei Ivan (Universitatea Craiova) and Mihai Popescu (CFR Cluj) are among the brightest prospects in the league, with the potential to make a big impact both domestically and internationally.
What’s Next for Liga I in 2025?
As the 2025 season moves into its final months, fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to the league. The title race is still wide open, with teams like FCSB, Craiova, and Sepsi OSK all looking to secure European football for next season. Meanwhile, the battle at the bottom of the table promises drama as clubs fight to avoid relegation.
The next few months will determine the fate of several teams in Liga I, and the passionate supporters will continue to back their clubs with fervor. The outcome of the season could have long-term implications for the future of Romanian football, as teams look to strengthen their squads and secure their place at the top of the league.
FAQs
How does the Liga I standings work?
The standings in Liga I are determined by the total points earned by each club throughout the season. Each team earns 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and no points for a loss. The team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned the champion. The standings are updated after every round of fixtures.
Who is leading Liga I right now?
As of the latest available data, the team at the top of the Liga I standings can vary depending on the current matchday. It’s always best to check the official Liga I website or sports news outlets for the latest standings. Some perennial top teams include FCSB (formerly Steaua Bucharest), CFR Cluj, and Universitatea Craiova.
What happens to the teams that finish at the bottom of the Liga I standings?
The teams finishing at the bottom of the Liga I standings (usually the last two or three positions) are relegated to Liga II, which is the second tier of Romanian football. This relegation battle is one of the most intense parts of the season, as clubs fight to avoid dropping out of the top division.
What is the play-off format in Liga I?
The top teams in Liga I are divided into two groups after the regular season: the Championship Group and the Relegation Group. The Championship Group teams compete for the title and European qualifications, while the Relegation Group teams battle to avoid relegation. The points from the regular season are carried over, but each group has a set of additional matches where the top and bottom clubs continue to fight for their respective goals.
How is the Liga I league structured?
The league follows a round-robin format, where each team plays the others both home and away. After the regular season, the league is split into two groups based on standings — the Championship Group and the Relegation Group. The Championship Group teams fight for the title, while the Relegation Group teams aim to avoid relegation.
In Summary
Liga I is a league filled with rich history, competitive teams, and passionate fanbases. As the 2025 season continues to unfold, the standings reflect an exciting and unpredictable season. CFR Cluj continues to lead, but clubs like FCSB, Universitatea Craiova, and Dinamo Bucharest are always pushing for success.
The league’s competitiveness, coupled with the rising talent and the relegation battle, ensures that Liga I remains one of the most thrilling competitions in European football. As teams fight for glory, survival, and qualification to European tournaments, the drama and excitement are only set to intensify as the season progresses.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to Liga I, the league offers plenty of action, suspense, and footballing brilliance to keep you engaged throughout the season. Stay tuned, as the battle for the top spots and relegation survival promises to be as thrilling as ever.
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