Match: FC Hebar Pazardzhik vs. CSM Slatina
Competition: International Club Friendly
Date: 11 July 2026, 16:00 local

Slatina Cruise Past Hebar in Bulgarian Encounter

Romanian second‑tier side CSM Slatina secured a comfortable 3‑1 victory over Bulgarian First League outfit FC Hebar Pazardzhik in a friendly played at a neutral training ground in Bulgaria. The match served as a valuable test for both teams ahead of their respective domestic campaigns.

Match Overview

Slatina started with intensity and took the lead inside the opening ten minutes. A well‑worked corner was headed home by centre‑back Alexandru Popescu. Hebar responded well, creating several half‑chances, but were caught out again before half‑time as Slatina striker Claudiu Bălan converted from a tight angle following a slick passing move.

Hebar pulled one back early in the second half through a powerful strike from midfielder Georgi Kostadinov, sparking hopes of a comeback. However, Slatina restored their two‑goal buffer on the hour mark when winger Adrian Manea cut inside and unleashed a curling shot into the top corner. Hebar pushed forward but lacked the cutting edge to reduce the deficit further.

Key Moments

• 8′ — Popescu heads in from a corner (0‑1)
• 41′ — Bălan slots home from an acute angle (0‑2)
• 53′ — Kostadinov fires in Hebar’s reply from 20 yards (1‑2)
• 60′ — Manea’s superb curler puts the result beyond doubt (1‑3)

Tactical Analysis

CSM Slatina’s compact 4‑4‑2 shape made them difficult to break down, while their quick transitions exposed gaps in Hebar’s defence. Hebar dominated possession in spells but were often forced wide by Slatina’s disciplined full‑backs. The visitors’ set‑piece efficiency was a key difference.

Standout Players

Adrian Manea was a constant menace on the left flank, providing the assist for the second goal and scoring a brilliant third. For Hebar, Georgi Kostadinov fought hard and scored a fine consolation goal, but his efforts were not enough to turn the tide.

Friendly Context

Both sides are in the early stages of preseason. The result gives Slatina a boost in confidence ahead of their Liga II opener, while Hebar will need to work on defensive organisation before their First League campaign begins.