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18 July 2026 at 08:30
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Vihren

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Marek

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Daniel Manolev's 77th-minute goal gave Vihren a 1-0 win over Marek in a pre-season friendly at Stadion Spartak, Sandanski, in front of 300-400 spectators.

Match Analysis

AI Summary

Vihren 1-0 Marek: Manolev Strike Decides Pre-Season Friendly in Sandanski

Daniel Manolev's 77th-minute goal was the difference as Vihren edged Marek 1-0 in a tightly contested pre-season friendly at Stadion Spartak in Sandanski on 18 July 2026.

The match, which kicked off at 07:30 UTC on a sunny summer morning, served as Vihren's official team presentation before the new season. Around 300–400 spectators watched the Bulgarian lower-league sides produce a competitive workout with few clear-cut chances.


How It Unfolded

Both sides cancelled each other out in a goalless first half. Vihren, managed by Stefan Ralchev, and Marek, from Dupnitsa, prioritised defensive organisation over attacking ambition in the opening 45 minutes.

The breakthrough arrived in the 77th minute when Manolev found the net for Vihren. The striker's finish proved decisive in a match where goalscoring opportunities were at a premium. Neither side could add to the scoreline in the remaining minutes, and Vihren held on for a narrow victory.


The Turning Point

Manolev's 77th-minute strike was the match's solitary moment of quality in the final third. Until then, both defences had remained largely untroubled. The goal came against the run of a second half that had been evenly contested, and Marek could not find a response in the time that remained.


Key Performers

  • Daniel Manolev (Vihren) — Scored the only goal of the match with a composed finish in the 77th minute. His intervention separated the two sides on a day when clear chances were scarce.
  • Vihren defence — Kept a clean sheet in a match where manager Stefan Ralchev emphasised defensive solidity. The backline dealt with Marek's attempts to equalise after the goal.
  • Marek's rearguard — Limited Vihren to a single goal in a disciplined defensive display, holding firm until the 77th minute.

Player of the Match: Daniel Manolev (Vihren)


By the Numbers — Interpreted

The match produced only one goal from 90 minutes, reflecting the pre-season context: both teams used the fixture primarily as a fitness-building exercise rather than an all-out competitive contest. The goalless first half (0-0 at the break) underlines the defensive focus. A single yellow card was not recorded, and the game was played in a clean, friendly spirit throughout. The 1–0 scoreline is consistent with a fixture where both sides were still building match sharpness.


What It Means

Both Vihren and Marek used this match as their final pre-season rehearsal before the start of their respective Bulgarian lower-division campaigns. For Vihren, the win — secured in front of their home supporters as part of the club's official team presentation — provides a confidence boost heading into competitive action. Marek will take the positives of a disciplined defensive display despite the narrow defeat.


Verdict

A typical pre-season friendly decided by a single moment of quality. Manolev's 77th-minute finish was enough to give Vihren victory in their final warm-up match at Stadion Spartak. Neither side will read too much into the result, but Ralchev will be the happier manager after a clean sheet and a win in front of the home fans.

Match Events

Key match events between Vihren and Marek — 1 goal and 0 cards recorded during the match.

Kick Off
Half Time
D. Manolev
77′
Full Time

Rivalry since 2018

Vihren vs Marek Head to Head Results· 11

Vihren and Marek have met 11 times — Vihren won 5, Marek won 3, with 3 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2018. Vihren leads the head-to-head with 5 victories from 11 meetings. A combined 28 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.55 per match (16 for the home side, 12 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 5 matches (45%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (18%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–3 in 2023.

5
wins
Drawn
3
·
3
wins
Total goals
28 · 2.5/match
Both scored
5/11 · 45%
Over 2.5
2/11 · 18%

Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

API data: 21 Jul 2026