Železničar Pančevo vs CSKA 1948

A goalless first half produced few clear-cut chances, with both sides prioritising fitness work over attacking risk. CSKA 1948 controlled the better share of possession without breaking through a compact Železničar defensive block, while the Serbian SuperLiga side threatened on the counter but lacked precision in the final third.

The pattern continued after the break. Both managers rotated heavily — standard practice for mid-pre-season friendlies — which disrupted any rhythm. CSKA 1948 pushed higher in the final quarter as Železničar's legs tired.

The breakthrough arrived in the 88th minute. Midfielder Borislav Tsonev collected the ball in the box and finished calmly past the Železničar goalkeeper, scoring what proved to be the winner. CSKA 1948 saw out the remaining minutes without alarm.

Tsonev's 88th-minute finish was the only moment of incision in an otherwise tight contest. A pre-season friendly often hinges on a single lapse of concentration, and Železničar's defence — having held firm for 87 minutes — switched off momentarily as the Bulgarian midfielder found space to shoot. The goal came against the run of a second half where neither side had looked likely to score.

Borislav Tsonev (CSKA 1948) — The 26-year-old Bulgarian midfielder, capped at senior international level and a mainstay in the CSKA 1948 first team, provided the game's only moment of quality. His composed finish was his first goal of pre-season and a reminder of his ability to decide tight matches from midfield.

Železničar Pančevo defence — While they ultimately conceded, the Serbian side's backline limited CSKA 1948 to minimal chances for 87 minutes, a positive sign for head coach Marko Savić as preparations continue for the Serbian SuperLiga season.

CSKA 1948 defensive unit — The Bulgarian side's second clean sheet in two pre-season friendlies suggests defensive solidity is a focus in their summer build-up.

The 0-0 half-time scoreline reflected the cagey nature of the contest. One goal from a single shot on target in the 88th minute decided the match — a typical outcome of a mid-pre-season friendly where both teams are still building match sharpness. The absence of cards on either side underlined the disciplined, non-confrontational tone of the workout.

CSKA 1948 continued their pre-season campaign with a second consecutive victory, following a 3-3 draw with Maribor on 1 July and a win in their previous friendly. The Bulgarian First League side are building momentum ahead of their domestic campaign, with defensive organisation a clear priority.

For Železničar Pančevo, the result followed a 1-1 draw with Maribor on 4 July in which Aleksa Kuljanin's 82nd-minute equaliser rescued a point. The Serbian side have shown defensive resilience in both friendlies, a platform they will hope to build on as they prepare for the Serbian SuperLiga season.

A low-key pre-season workout decided by a single moment of quality from Tsonev. Neither side will read too much into the result, but CSKA 1948 will value the clean sheet while Železničar can take encouragement from 87 minutes of disciplined defending.