Match Summary
CSKA Sofia defeated Botev Plovdiv 2:1. The match was played in First League 2023. Goals were scored by J. Lindseth 21′, D. Nazon 67′ (pen.), K. Balogiannis 79′. 7 yellow cards were shown. Botev Plovdiv had 58% possession while CSKA Sofia held 42%. Botev Plovdiv had 8 shots (4 on target) compared to 10 (5 on target) for CSKA Sofia. Expected goals: Botev Plovdiv 0.73 — CSKA Sofia 1.65. Botev Plovdiv made 5 substitutions, CSKA Sofia made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Botev Plovdiv and CSKA Sofia — 3 goals and 7 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
Match Statistics
Botev Plovdiv had 58% possession against CSKA Sofia's 42%. Botev Plovdiv registered 8 shots (4 on target) while CSKA Sofia managed 10 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 5–1. Fouls committed: 6–8.
Lineups
Botev Plovdiv lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under D. Kerkez, while CSKA Sofia deployed a 4-1-3-2 under N. El Maestro.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Botev Plovdiv is 6.67, compared to 6.86 for CSKA Sofia. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Botev Plovdiv's highest-rated starter is N. Minkov (6.99), while CSKA Sofia's best-rated player is T. Vion (7.13).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Botev Plovdiv have contributed 3 goals and 3 assists this season, led by N. Minkov (3G). CSKA Sofia's starters account for 0 goals and 1 assists, spearheaded by —. Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Botev Plovdiv deploy 4 defenders rated 6.58 on average, against CSKA Sofia's 4-man backline averaging 6.95. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Botev Plovdiv field 5 midfielders averaging 6.71, versus CSKA Sofia's 4 rated —. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Botev Plovdiv start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 for CSKA Sofia averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Discipline
Botev Plovdiv's starters have collected 6 yellow cards this season, compared to 2 for CSKA Sofia. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Botev Plovdiv's starting XI is 30.7 (youngest: K. Balogiannis (26), oldest: I. Popov (38)), while CSKA Sofia average 31.0 (youngest: I. Turitsov (26), oldest: Busatto (35)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Botev Plovdiv's starters average 15 league appearances each, versus 8 for CSKA Sofia. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Botev Plovdiv have recorded 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats. CSKA Sofia show 5 wins, 0 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Botev Plovdiv
CSKA Sofia
Head to Head
Botev Plovdiv and CSKA Sofia have met 2 times — Botev Plovdiv won 0, CSKA Sofia won 1, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. CSKA Sofia leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 5 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.50 per match (2 for the home side, 3 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–1 in 2025.
0
Botev Plovdiv
1
Drawn
1
CSKA Sofia
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026