SCM Craiova W vs CSM Slatina W

There was no single decisive moment — the match swung back and forth throughout. Slatina's experience edge from last season (two league wins over Craiova) looked like it might tell in the second half, but Craiova's refreshed squad, featuring several new international signings, showed composure to recover and secure a share of the spoils.

Official individual scoring data had not been published at the time of writing. Buceschi had highlighted pre-match that several new Craiova players were adapting to Romanian handball for the first time. Slatina, who retained the core of last season's squad, looked the more settled side in phases.

The 32–32 scoreline tells the story of an even contest. With no league minutes played before this fixture — the FRH standings show zero games for all teams entering Round 1 — there was no form guide to lean on. Craiova's pre-season programme included seven friendlies, featuring wins over SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea, CSU Știința București and Slatina in the Cupa Craiovei, plus losses to Rapid București and Vâlcea. Slatina were edged 34–33 by Craiova in the Cupa Craiovei tournament in mid-August.

Both sides collect their first point of the 2026/27 Liga Florilor season. With 14 teams in the top flight and European qualification places at a premium, dropping home points in Round 1 is not ideal for Craiova, but the draw prevents an early defeat. Slatina will view an away point against a direct regional rival as a solid start.

Craiova's next fixture is away at CS Gloria Bistrița. Slatina host CSM Galați in Round 2.

A fair result between two well-matched Oltenian sides. Craiova's squad rebuild needs time to gel — Buceschi himself stated pre-match that the team would grow into the season, particularly with several internationals adapting to Romanian handball. Slatina, more settled from last season, will take confidence from avoiding defeat on the road. The 32–32 draw was the first stalemate in 14 meetings since 2017.