Match Summary
Botev Plovdiv defeated Lokomotiv Sofia 4:0. The match was played in First League 2023. Goals were scored by U. Emmanuel 19′, U. Emmanuel 42′, D. Mertens 65′, D. Mertens 67′. 8 yellow cards were shown. Lokomotiv Sofia made 5 substitutions, Botev Plovdiv made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Lokomotiv Sofia and Botev Plovdiv — 4 goals and 8 cards recorded during the match.
Lineups
Lokomotiv Sofia lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation under D. Dončić, while Botev Plovdiv deployed a 4-3-3 under D. Kerkez.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Lokomotiv Sofia is 6.90, compared to 6.79 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. Lokomotiv Sofia's highest-rated starter is K. Stanoev (6.96), while Botev Plovdiv's best-rated player is N. Minkov (6.99).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Lokomotiv Sofia have contributed 1 goals and 1 assists this season, led by K. Stanoev (1G). Botev Plovdiv's starters account for 3 goals and 3 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
Lokomotiv Sofia deploy 3 defenders rated — on average, against Botev Plovdiv's 4-man backline averaging 6.58. 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
Lokomotiv Sofia field 5 midfielders averaging 6.96, versus Botev Plovdiv's 6 rated 6.99. 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
Lokomotiv Sofia start 2 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 0 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
Lokomotiv Sofia's starters have collected 3 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 Lokomotiv Sofia's starting XI is 30.5 (youngest: A. Lyubenov (30), oldest: K. Stanoev (31)), while Botev Plovdiv average 27.0 (youngest: K. Balogiannis (26), oldest: N. Minkov (28)). 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
Lokomotiv Sofia's starters average 13 league appearances each, versus 20 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, Lokomotiv Sofia have recorded 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 defeats. Botev Plovdiv show 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Lokomotiv Sofia
Botev Plovdiv
Head to Head
Lokomotiv Sofia and Botev Plovdiv have met 2 times — Lokomotiv Sofia won 2, Botev Plovdiv won 0, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Lokomotiv Sofia leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 6 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.00 per match (4 for the home side, 2 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 3–2 in 2025.
2
Lokomotiv Sofia
0
Drawn
0
Botev Plovdiv
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026