Pirin Blagoevgrad vs Marek

Marek, who compete in the Bulgarian Second League (Vtora Liga), struck as early as the 11th minute. The visitors took the lead through a well-worked move that caught the Pirin defence cold. Just past the half-hour mark, Marek doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute, putting the game firmly in their control before the break.

Pirin struggled to create clear chances against a disciplined Marek backline in the second half. The First League side pushed forward but could not find a way past the Marek goalkeeper, who was rarely seriously tested.

Marek's front line was sharp in the opening exchanges, converting two of their early chances. The defensive unit, marshalled by a solid central pairing, kept a clean sheet against a side from a higher division — an encouraging sign for the Second League outfit ahead of the new campaign.

For Pirin, the performance will raise questions about their defensive organisation, particularly in the opening phase of matches. Pre-season is about sharpening these details, but conceding twice inside 33 minutes to a lower-league opponent is not the ideal building block.

This was a pre-season friendly for both Bulgarian clubs as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign. Pirin Blagoevgrad, who play in the top-tier Parva Liga, will look to address their slow start in subsequent friendlies. Marek, from the Second League, will take significant confidence from a clean-sheet win against a higher-division opponent.

Marek were sharper, more organised, and more clinical in the decisive first half-hour. Pirin have work to do before the competitive season begins, particularly in defensive transitions.