CSKA Sofia II and Ludogorets Razgrad II played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the Bulgarian Vtora Liga on 25 August 2026, with both reserve sides showing plenty of attacking ambition but ultimately having to settle for a share of the spoils. The late-night kickoff at the capital delivered an entertaining clash between two of Bulgarian football's most productive youth and development setups.

Match overview

The match was competitive from the first whistle, with CSKA Sofia II enjoying slight territorial dominance in the opening stages, while Ludogorets Razgrad II looked dangerous on the counter-attack. The result leaves both teams locked in the middle-to-upper reaches of the Vtora Liga table, and it was a fair reflection of a game where chances were shared almost evenly.

With both sides fielding predominantly young, homegrown players, the fixture provided another valuable test for the next generation of Bulgarian talent. The draw also extended the recent run of competitive encounters between the two academy sides, who have become familiar rivals in the second tier.

Key moments

• First goal: Ludogorets Razgrad II broke the deadlock midway through the first half with a well-worked move down the left flank, finishing calmly past the CSKA keeper to take a 1-0 lead into the interval.
• CSKA response: The hosts came out with renewed energy after the break and found their equaliser through a set-piece situation, with a towering header from a corner bringing the score to 1-1.
• Late pressure: Both teams pushed for a winner in the final 15 minutes, but good goalkeeping and last-ditch defending kept the score level until the final whistle.

Tactical story

CSKA Sofia II tried to build patiently from the back, using their full-backs to create width and overload the final third. In contrast, Ludogorets Razgrad II were compact without the ball and looked to exploit spaces in behind with pace. The tactical contrast made for an open, end-to-end contest, with both coaches making early substitutions to inject fresh legs and alter the momentum.

The equaliser came from a moment of quality from a dead-ball situation, highlighting the importance of set-piece preparation at this level. After that, the match became more stretched, but neither side was able to find a decisive final pass.

Standout players

Ludogorets Razgrad II's goalscorer was the standout performer in the first half, showing composure beyond his years in front of goal. For CSKA Sofia II, the central defender who rose highest to score the equaliser was the defensive rock throughout, also winning several important aerial duels in both boxes. The two goalkeepers also deserve credit for producing key saves in a balanced second half.

Table impact and what it means

With the Vtora Liga season still taking shape, this point could prove valuable for both teams. CSKA Sofia II will be pleased with their comeback spirit and continued improvement at home, while Ludogorets Razgrad II will take confidence from a solid away display against a competitive opponent.

For the neutral observer, the 1-1 result was a fitting outcome in a match that was closely contested from start to finish. Both clubs remain committed to developing young players, and fixtures like this are an important part of the Bulgarian second-tier calendar.