CSKA Sofia 3-2 Botev Plovdiv: Late Drama at the Bulgarian Army Stadium

CSKA Sofia secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Botev Plovdiv in a Bulgarian First League classic on the night of July 28, 2026. The match, which kicked off at 02:15 local time under the lights of the Bulgarian Army Stadium, saw the home side edge a five-goal thriller that had everything from early strikes to a dramatic late winner. The result kept CSKA firmly in the hunt for the top of the table, while Botev Plovdiv were left to rue missed opportunities.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, both teams showed attacking intent. CSKA Sofia, backed by a passionate home crowd, took an early lead but were pegged back twice by a resilient Botev side. The decisive moment came in the 87th minute when a superb individual effort from substitute Stanislav Kostov sealed all three points. The final scoreline of 3-2 reflected an end-to-end contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Key Moments

• 7' Goal – CSKA Sofia 1-0: A quick counter-attack caught Botev off guard. Midfielder Thibaut Vion played a perfectly weighted through ball to Dukens Nazon, who slotted home from close range.
• 23' Goal – 1-1: Botev equalised against the run of play. A corner was only partially cleared, and Antoine Baroan volleyed the loose ball into the bottom corner.
• 44' Goal – CSKA Sofia 2-1: On the stroke of half-time, CSKA restored their lead. A cross from Ivan Turitsov found Jonathan Lindseth, who guided a header past the goalkeeper.
• 68' Goal – 2-2: Botev struck again in the second half. Martin Sekulić capitalised on a defensive mix-up to fire home from inside the box.
• 87' Goal – CSKA Sofia 3-2: The winner came from a moment of magic. Stanislav Kostov dribbled past three defenders before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

Tactical Story

CSKA Sofia’s high press caused Botev Plovdiv constant problems in the first half, forcing defensive errors. However, the visitors adjusted after the break by dropping deeper and hitting on the counter, which led to their second equaliser. CSKA manager Stamen Belchev introduced fresh legs in the final quarter, and it was the substitutes who made the difference. Botev, while organised at the back, struggled to contain CSKA’s wide players in the closing stages.

Standout Performers

• Stanislav Kostov (CSKA Sofia): The match-winner came off the bench and produced a moment of sheer brilliance. His dribble and finish will be replayed for weeks.
• Dukens Nazon (CSKA Sofia): The Haitian striker was a constant menace, scoring the opener and holding the ball up well under pressure.
• Antoine Baroan (Botev Plovdiv): Scored a crucial equaliser and worked tirelessly in midfield, despite playing on a yellow card.

Season Implications

This victory moved CSKA Sofia up to third place in the efbet Liga standings, just three points behind leaders Ludogorets. For Botev Plovdiv, the defeat saw them slip to sixth, missing the chance to leapfrog their rivals. With the season entering its decisive phase, both sides will look to build on their performances in the coming weeks. The result also extended CSKA’s unbeaten home run to seven matches, reinforcing the Bulgarian Army Stadium as a fortress.

Fans of Bulgarian football will remember this clash as one of the most entertaining matches of the 2026 season, a testament to the growing quality of the First League. CSKA Sofia vs Botev Plovdiv rarely disappoints, and this 3-2 thriller was no exception.