Beroe vs Zagorets

Neither side managed to find the net in a contest that Bulgarian outlet Sportal described as "an interesting sparring." Beroe, managed by former Bulgaria international Vladimir Manchev, fielded a strong starting XI featuring Arthur Mota, Viktoriyo Valkov, Denis Dinev, Borislav Vakadinov, Ivaylo Mitev, Aykut Ramadan, Stiliyan Rusenov, Ismael Ferrer, Simeon Veshev, Welssy da Rocha and Miroslav Georgiev, according to BTA.

Zagorets, playing their first pre-season fixture of the summer, held firm against a Beroe side that had scored freely in earlier friendlies — six against Levski Karlovo (8 July) and one against Dimitrovgrad (1 July).

No single moment decided this match. Beroe could not break down a disciplined Zagorets defence, and the visitors — in their first workout of pre-season — lacked the match sharpness to capitalise on any openings of their own. The 0-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of a contest where both sides prioritised minutes over risk.

Arthur Mota (Beroe): The Brazilian goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in what was likely his final pre-season outing before the competitive campaign begins.

Zagorets defence: An organised unit that frustrated Beroe throughout, impressive given this was their first match of pre-season preparations.

The provider recorded no goals, which tells the story. Beroe had put six past Levski Karlovo (8 July) and one past Dimitrovgrad (1 July) in earlier friendlies, but against a compact third-division side they could not find a way through. Zagorets, by contrast, will take the clean sheet as a positive start to their build-up for the 2026/27 season in the Southeast Third League.

Beroe used this as their final pre-season test before the Mr Bit Second League season begins. The club was relegated from the Bulgarian First League at the end of 2025/26 alongside Dobrudzha (Dobrich) and Montana. The Second League has been expanded to 18 teams for 2026/27, with only the champion earning automatic promotion and the second- and third-placed sides entering promotion play-offs.

Beroe open their league campaign at home against Hebar (Pazardzhik) on 24 July 2026 at 18:45 local time. The match will be played behind closed doors due to a Beroe punishment, per BTA.

Zagorets, who play in the Southeast Third League, continue their pre-season preparations with further friendlies before their league campaign begins.

A goalless draw that told both managers what they needed: Beroe still have work to do in attack before the Second League opener, while Zagorets can build from a solid defensive foundation in their first outing of the summer.