CSKA Sofia vs Marek

CSKA needed just five minutes to open the scoring through a moment of individual quality from the Italian. Sensi exchanged passes with Angelo Martino on the edge of the area, controlled the ball with his back to goal, turned his marker and fired a precise right-footed strike into the far corner past Marek goalkeeper Kostadinov.

Jordao came close to doubling the lead shortly after when he found himself one-on-one with the keeper, but his shot struck Kostadinov's body. Joel Zwart tested his range from distance in the 20th minute but sent his effort over the bar. Just past the half-hour mark, a swift CSKA counter-attack saw Pittas receive the ball in the box and lay it back to Isaac Sole, whose shot missed the target.

CSKA carried a 1-0 lead into the break, but the second half brought a flurry of activity. New signing Tamimu Waru — recruited from Botev Vratsa — replaced Pastor at right-back, while Dimitar Evtimov took over in goal from Fyodor Lapoukhov at the start of the second period.

The first chance of the half fell to Zwart, but he missed when one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Pittas followed up on the rebound but fired over.

In the 55th minute, CSKA put the result beyond doubt. Sole carried the ball from the left flank, advancing slowly — a move the Marek defence failed to close down — before feeding Panayotov. The young midfielder unleashed a fine shot from outside the penalty area that flew into the top-left corner, giving Kostadinov no chance.

Four minutes later, the game was effectively over. Panayotov turned provider, breaking down the right and pulling the ball back for Pittas. The Cypriot's first effort was saved by the goalkeeper, but he made no mistake with the follow-up, bundling in from close range to make it 3-0.

Stefano Sensi (Player of the Match) — The Italian midfielder, a high-profile arrival this summer, needed only five minutes to introduce himself to the CSKA faithful. His goal — a turn-and-finish from the edge of the box — showcased the technical quality that makes him a significant addition to Hristo Yanev's midfield. He was withdrawn at half-time as part of the planned rotation.

Petko Panayotov — The Bulgarian midfielder was involved in both second-half goals. He scored the second with a crisp strike from range and then created the third with a driving run and cross that Pittas converted. A complete 60-minute shift before making way.

Ioannis Pittas — The Cypriot striker got his goal after persisting through a couple of earlier misses. His movement and link-up play were a constant threat, and his predatory instinct on the rebound for the third goal was a reminder of his finishing quality.

CSKA dominated possession and created the clearer chances throughout, though the match was played at a moderate tempo typical of pre-season friendlies. The 3-0 scoreline reflected the gulf in quality between a Bulgarian Cup winner preparing for European competition and a Second League side. The hosts registered three goals from open play — Panayotov's from distance, Pittas's from close range — while Sensi's opener was the standout piece of individual skill.

The win completes CSKA Sofia's pre-season programme with a clean sheet and a confidence-boosting performance. All eyes now turn to the Europa League first qualifying round first leg against Derry City on 9 July 2026. Yanev used the match to give minutes to his entire squad, with wholesale changes around the 60-minute mark allowing every available outfield player to feature.

Notable absences included Leo Pereira and Alejandro Piedraita (minor health issues) and James Eto'o, who recently rejoined the squad after recovering from an infectious illness.

Head coach Hristo Yanev handed debuts to three new signings during the match: Stefano Sensi (started, scored), Joel Zwart (started, 60 minutes) and Tamimu Waru (second-half substitute at right-back).

A straightforward, professional pre-season workout for CSKA Sofia. Sensi's early goal settled any nerves, and the second-half double from Panayotov and Pittas ensured a comfortable margin. The real test arrives on 9 July when Derry City visit for the Europa League opener. This was exactly what a final friendly should be: rhythm, minutes, and a clean sheet.

CSKA Sofia line-up (vs Marek): Lapoukhov (46' Evtimov); Pastor (46' Waru), Ivanov (60' Tunchev), Rodríguez (Delova), Martino (60' Yordanov); Jordão (c) (60' Chorbadzhiyski), Panayotov (60' Doday); Sensi (46' Ebong), Sole (60' Kaimakanov), Zwart (60' Godoy); Pittas (60' Brahim).

Substitutes: Evtimov, Yordanov, Tunchev, Waru, Lapenia, Delova, Ebong, Chorbadzhiyski, Kaimakanov, Brahim, Godoy, Doday.

Head coach: Hristo Yanev.

Scorers: S. Sensi 5', P. Panayotov 55', I. Pittas 60'.