Botev Plovdiv vs Ballkani

Naumov's penalty save in the 57th minute extinguished any hope of a Ballkani comeback. Had the Kosovars pulled one back at 2-0, the final half-hour could have been a test of Botev's defensive resolve. Instead, the visitors never truly threatened again, and Botev cruised to a clean sheet.

Daniel Naumov (Botev Plovdiv) — Player of the Match. The goalkeeper's penalty stop was the single most important moment of the game. He looked commanding throughout, handling crosses cleanly and organising his defence from the first minute.

Carlos Meotti (Botev Plovdiv). Scored the crucial opener with a composed finish, then made way for Milanov to a standing ovation. His movement in the final third caused Ballkani persistent problems.

Pedro Igor (Botev Plovdiv). The second goal was a textbook finish — the kind of composure that turns pre-season minutes into confidence. He also linked well with midfield.

Georgi Milanov (Botev Plovdiv) — debutant. Only played the final third but the reception he received — chants and applause before and during his cameo — underlined the weight of expectation on his shoulders.

The provider data shows Botev led 1-0 at half-time and added a second just after the restart. The underlying story is Botev's efficiency: two goals from limited high-quality chances, built on Ballkani errors rather than sustained pressure. Botev's seven-match unbeaten run across competitions (including competitive fixtures at the end of last season) now stretches into pre-season. Ballkani, for their part, struggled to create clear openings — their best chance was the saved penalty.

Botev Plovdiv — third in the Bulgarian Parva Liga last season — have now won three consecutive pre-season friendlies: 4-0 vs Spartak Pleven (23 June), 2-1 vs Arda Kardzhali (26 June), and this 2-0 win. Their next friendly is scheduled against Chernomorets Burgas, who they face next in their summer build-up ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Ballkani, regular UEFA Conference League participants from Kosovo, continue their own pre-season preparations.

Milanov's presence adds significant pedigree: the attacking midfielder has previous spells at CSKA Sofia and Bulgarian national team experience. His integration into Stanislav Genchev's system will be one of the key subplots of Botev's pre-season.

A professional, untroubled pre-season win for Botev Plovdiv. The result itself is unremarkable, but Naumov's penalty save and Milanov's emotional debut gave the evening texture. Ballkani will face sterner tests as their preparation continues, but Botev move through summer with growing momentum.