Neftochimic Burgas vs Rozova dolina

Rozova Dolina struck first late in the opening period. Ventsislav Ivanov converted a penalty to give the visitors a 1-0 lead going into the interval.

Neftochimic head coach Hristo Yanev used two completely different XIs in each half, giving minutes to several academy products. The rotation paid off after the restart.

The equaliser arrived in the 55th minute. Miroslav Radev powered a header past the Rozova Dolina goalkeeper from a Kosta Dalev cross.

The turnaround was completed in the 70th minute through new signing Galin Dimov. The midfielder, announced by the club on 7 July 2026, curled a free kick over the wall and into the net to make it 2-1.

Radev sealed the result in the 86th minute, scoring from close range after a scramble in the box to complete his brace.

The half-time reshuffle was the decisive factor. Neftochimic's coaching staff sent out an entirely fresh XI for the second period, and the injection of energy immediately changed the tempo. Rozova Dolina, having held firm in the first half, could not cope with the renewed intensity.

Miroslav Radev — Two goals (55', 86'), including the crucial equaliser with a header. His movement in the box caused problems all second half.

Galin Dimov — The newly signed midfielder made an immediate impact with a stunning free kick for the go-ahead goal. He joined the club on 7 July 2026.

Kosta Dalev — His assist for Radev's opener was the catalyst for the comeback. The quality of the cross from the right flank broke Rozova Dolina's defensive lines.

The scoreline (3-1) understates the competitive nature of the contest. Rozova Dolina's first-half penalty was their only clear-cut chance, while Neftochimic's second-half dominance suggests significantly higher xG creation after the break. The use of two entirely different XIs means individual statistics are skewed by limited minutes, but three goals in 31 second-half minutes points to strong squad depth.

This was Neftochimic Burgas's first pre-season friendly of the summer, marking the start of preparations for the 2026-27 Yugoiztochna Treta Liga (Southeast Third League) campaign. Rozova Dolina, competing in the same third-tier division, also got valuable minutes.

Neftochimic's next friendly is scheduled for 11 July 2026 against Nesebar. Rozova Dolina continue their pre-season programme with additional friendlies before the league campaign begins.

A routine pre-season comeback that revealed Neftochimic's squad depth. The first XI struggled in the opening half, but the second-string unit showed sharpness and composure. Galin Dimov's immediate impact on debut and Radev's finishing will be positives, while the defensive lapse that led to the penalty is a detail to sharpen before competitive fixtures begin.