Yantra 2019 vs Spartak Pleven

The penalty awarded in the 57th minute shifted the match decisively in Spartak's favour. Until that point, Yantra had looked the more likely side in patches, but Pehlivanov's cool finish from the spot gave the visitors the lead and forced Yantra to push forward, leaving space for Adelani's second goal ten minutes later.

Yani Pehlivanov (Spartak Pleven) — Opened the scoring from the penalty spot with composure, his second goal in as many pre-season matches against Yantra (he also scored in the league fixture in April 2026).

Shola Adelani (Spartak Pleven) — Sealed the win with a clinical finish in the 67th minute, demonstrating the kind of form that will be crucial for Spartak's upcoming Second League campaign.

Vasil Shopov (Spartak Pleven) — Won the penalty that broke the deadlock, showing sharp movement to draw the foul from the Yantra defence.

Player of the Match: Yani Pehlivanov — his penalty was the game's decisive moment, and he led Spartak's forward line effectively throughout.

The match stats (visible on the Betmana match page) show a goalless first half and goals in the 57th and 68th minutes, with no cards recorded. The clean sheet was Spartak's first of pre-season after conceding seven goals across their previous three friendlies against Botev Plovdiv (4-0), Botev Vratsa (2-1), and Cherno More Varna (1-0). The 0-0 half-time scoreline reflects a cagey opening period typical of pre-season, while Spartak's two second-half goals came from a penalty and open play, suggesting they grew into the game as Yantra tired.

Spartak Pleven registered their first win of pre-season after three consecutive defeats. The defensive improvement — a first clean sheet of the summer — will be particularly encouraging for Spartak's coaching staff as they build towards the 2026/27 Second League campaign, which kicks off in late July. Yantra, meanwhile, had won their previous friendly 3-2 against Ludogorets II on 4 July, and this result serves as a reminder of the gap between a promotion playoff contender and a mid-table side in pre-season form.

Spartak Pleven next face another friendly before the league season begins. Yantra 2019 continue their preparations with further friendlies scheduled.

A professional pre-season performance from Spartak Pleven, who controlled the second half after a slow start. Yantra offered little in response once trailing and will need more sharpness in attack as the new season approaches. Spartak's first clean sheet of the summer is the most meaningful takeaway.