Match Summary
CSKA Sofia defeated Arda Kardzhali 3:2. The match was played in First League 2023. Goals were scored by J. Mattheij 12′, B. Tsonev 19′, S. Ivanov 21′, T. Heintz 59′, O. Skarsem 67′. 5 yellow cards were shown. Arda Kardzhali made 5 substitutions, CSKA Sofia made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Arda Kardzhali and CSKA Sofia — 5 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
Lineups
Arda Kardzhali lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under N. Kirov, while CSKA Sofia deployed a 4-2-3-1 under S. Belchev.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Arda Kardzhali is 7.14, compared to 6.94 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. Arda Kardzhali's highest-rated starter is A. Gospodinov (7.15), while CSKA Sofia's best-rated player is T. Vion (7.13).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Arda Kardzhali have contributed 0 goals and 2 assists this season, led by —. CSKA Sofia's starters account for 1 goals and 0 assists, spearheaded by O. Skarsem (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Arda Kardzhali deploy 4 defenders rated — on average, against CSKA Sofia's 4-man backline averaging 7.09. 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
Arda Kardzhali field 5 midfielders averaging 7.14, versus CSKA Sofia's 5 rated 6.88. 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
Arda Kardzhali start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 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.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 46% for Arda Kardzhali and —% for CSKA Sofia. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Arda Kardzhali's starters have collected 7 yellow cards this season, compared to 4 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 Arda Kardzhali's starting XI is 29.0 (youngest: L. Kotev (27), oldest: A. Gospodinov (31)), while CSKA Sofia average 29.0 (youngest: S. Sanyang (22), 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
Arda Kardzhali's starters average 24 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, Arda Kardzhali have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeats. CSKA Sofia show 5 wins, 0 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Arda Kardzhali
CSKA Sofia
Head to Head
Arda Kardzhali and CSKA Sofia have met 2 times — Arda Kardzhali won 1, CSKA Sofia won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. 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 1 matches (50%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–1 in 2026.
1
Arda Kardzhali
0
Drawn
1
CSKA Sofia
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026