Lokomotiv Gorna Oryahovitsa edged FC Dunav Ruse 2-1 in a competitive international club friendly on 20 June 2026, with a late winner proving the difference between the two Bulgarian sides.

Played at Gradski Stadium in Ruse, the match served as a preseason test for both teams. Dunav Ruse, competing in the Bulgarian Second League, took an early lead before Lokomotiv, a First League club, fought back to secure the victory.

Match Flow

Dunav Ruse started brightly and took the lead in the 14th minute. A neat passing move on the right flank ended with midfielder Ivan Tsvetkov slotting home from close range. Lokomotiv struggled to find rhythm in the first half but equalized just before halftime through a powerful header from striker Valeri Domovchiyski following a corner.

The second half was more evenly contested, with both sides creating chances. The winning goal came in the 78th minute when Lokomotiv substitute Milan Ristovski latched onto a through ball and calmly finished past the goalkeeper.

Standout Players

• Ivan Tsvetkov (Dunav Ruse) – Scored a well-taken opener and was a constant threat in midfield.
• Valeri Domovchiyski (Lokomotiv) – Provided the equalizer with a classic center-forward’s header and led the line effectively.
• Milan Ristovski (Lokomotiv) – Came off the bench to score the decisive goal, showcasing his sharpness in front of goal.

Friendly Context

For Lokomotiv Gorna Oryahovitsa, this result builds momentum ahead of their new First League campaign. Dunav Ruse, meanwhile, showed they can compete with top-flight opposition despite the defeat. The match offered both coaches valuable insights into squad depth and fitness levels with the season opener just weeks away.