CSKA Sofia edged city rivals CSKA 1948 Sofia 3-2 in a thrilling Bulgarian First League derby at the Stadion Bistritsa on October 12, 2026. The away win lifts CSKA Sofia up the standings and deepens the rivalry between the two capital clubs.

Match Overview

The match, played in front of a passionate crowd, was a classic derby encounter. CSKA Sofia started brightly and took the lead through Kristiyan Malinov's composed finish. CSKA 1948 responded well, equalizing before half-time through Georgi Rusev. The visitors restored their advantage just before the break when Duckens Nazon pounced on a defensive error. In the second half, CSKA 1948 levelled again from the penalty spot through Ivaylo Chochev. But with six minutes remaining, substitute Borislav Tsonev scored the winning goal for CSKA Sofia, sparking wild celebrations among the away fans.

Key Moments

• 12' – 0-1: Kristiyan Malinov fires home from the edge of the box after a neat build-up.
• 28' – 1-1: Georgi Rusev heads in a cross from the right to level for CSKA 1948.
• 45+2' – 1-2: Duckens Nazon capitalizes on a loose back-pass and slots past the goalkeeper.
• 67' – 2-2: Ivaylo Chochev converts a penalty after a handball in the area.
• 84' – 2-3: Borislav Tsonev curls a stunning shot into the top corner to win it.

Tactical Story

CSKA Sofia set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, looking to dominate possession and press high. Their midfield duo of Malinov and Ivaylo Klimentov controlled the tempo. CSKA 1948, meanwhile, lined up in a 4-3-3, relying on quick transitions and the pace of their wingers. The home side's high line was exposed twice by CSKA Sofia's direct passing, but they also created chances of their own. The decisive moment came when CSKA Sofia's manager switched to a back three, allowing Tsonev more freedom in the final third. The tactical battle was intense, with both coaches making bold changes.

Standout Players

Duckens Nazon was a constant threat for CSKA Sofia, his movement and finishing causing problems all night. Kristiyan Malinov dictated play from deep and capped his performance with a goal. For CSKA 1948, Georgi Rusev was lively on the wing and Ivaylo Chochev drove his team forward. However, the night belonged to Borislav Tsonev, whose late winner will be remembered in derby folklore.

Season Impact

The three points move CSKA Sofia into the top three of the Bulgarian First League standings, keeping pace with the early-season leaders. CSKA 1948 remain mid-table but showed enough to suggest they will climb. The head-to-head record now favors CSKA Sofia in this nascent rivalry. With the season still young, both clubs will take confidence and lessons from a dramatic derby.