Match Summary
CSKA Sofia defeated Botev Plovdiv 4:0. The match was played in First League 2023. Goals were scored by J. Lindseth 25′, Fernando Karanga 33′, Fernando Karanga 42′, M. Phaëton 65′. 7 yellow cards were shown. CSKA Sofia had 43% possession while Botev Plovdiv held 57%. CSKA Sofia had 13 shots (10 on target) compared to 14 (6 on target) for Botev Plovdiv. Expected goals: CSKA Sofia 1.66 — Botev Plovdiv 0.97. CSKA Sofia made 5 substitutions, Botev Plovdiv made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between CSKA Sofia and Botev Plovdiv — 4 goals and 7 cards recorded during the match.
Match Statistics
CSKA Sofia had 43% possession against Botev Plovdiv's 57%. CSKA Sofia registered 13 shots (10 on target) while Botev Plovdiv managed 14 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 8–8. Fouls committed: 10–10.
Lineups
CSKA Sofia lined up in a 4-1-3-2 formation under N. El Maestro, while Botev Plovdiv deployed a 4-3-1-2 under D. Kerkez.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for CSKA Sofia is 6.87, compared to 6.74 for Botev Plovdiv. 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. CSKA Sofia's highest-rated starter is T. Vion (7.13), while Botev Plovdiv's best-rated player is N. Minkov (6.99).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of CSKA Sofia have contributed 1 goals and 1 assists this season, led by O. Skarsem (1G). Botev Plovdiv's starters account for 4 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by N. Minkov (3G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
CSKA Sofia deploy 4 defenders rated 6.95 on average, against Botev Plovdiv's 4-man backline averaging 6.90. 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
CSKA Sofia field 4 midfielders averaging 6.88, versus Botev Plovdiv's 5 rated 6.43. 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
CSKA Sofia start 2 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Botev Plovdiv 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
CSKA Sofia's starters have collected 5 yellow cards this season, compared to 6 for Botev Plovdiv. 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 CSKA Sofia's starting XI is 30.0 (youngest: I. Turitsov (26), oldest: Busatto (35)), while Botev Plovdiv average 28.3 (youngest: I. Videv (19), oldest: I. Popov (38)). 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
CSKA Sofia's starters average 9 league appearances each, versus 10 for Botev Plovdiv. 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, CSKA Sofia have recorded 5 wins, 0 draws and 1 defeats. Botev Plovdiv show 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
CSKA Sofia
Botev Plovdiv
Head to Head
CSKA Sofia and Botev Plovdiv have met 2 times — CSKA Sofia won 1, Botev Plovdiv won 0, 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 (3 for the home side, 2 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.
1
CSKA Sofia
1
Drawn
0
Botev Plovdiv
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026