Etar Veliko Tarnovo vs Sevlievo

The match was effectively over by the 10th minute, but the key moment arrived in the 31st minute when Borisov's free kick made it 3-0. That goal extinguished any faint hope Sevlievo had of mounting a response, and Etar added two more before half-time to kill the contest entirely.

Tsvetomir Tsanev struck the post from a clear position early in the second half before scoring on the rebound after Evgeni Peychev's initial shot was saved by the goalkeeper, making it 6-0 in the 56th minute. Martin Nikolov and Tsanev both went close with further efforts before Georgi Ivanov dispossessed an opponent and slotted home precisely for 7-0 in the 71st minute.

Radoslav Naydenov made his first appearance since a long injury lay-off, coming on in the second half. Chavdar Ivaylov completed the scoring in the 85th minute, advancing from the left and firing a powerful shot that took a deflection on its way into the net for 8-0.

Kristiyan Velichkov — Two well-taken goals (10', 26') and a constant threat. The forward's movement and finishing were a level above the Sevlievo defence throughout.

Nikola Borisov — Scored a stunning free kick in the 31st minute that was arguably the goal of the game. Composed on the ball and influential from set-pieces.

Stivian Makaveev — The new signing marked his first appearance with a 4th-minute opener, demonstrating sharp instincts inside the box.

Rosen Ivanov — Showed excellent technique to score from a tight angle in the 38th minute, stretching the lead to 5-0 before half-time.

Player of the Match: Kristiyan Velichkov — his brace and all-round attacking threat set the tone for the rout.

Etar scored eight goals from eight different goalscorers (excluding Velichkov's two), highlighting squad-wide attacking depth rather than reliance on a single source. The 5-0 half-time scoreline reflects the gulf in preparation levels: Etar were in the final phase of their pre-season programme, while Sevlievo had only just begun training for their Third League campaign. The shot count and territory were overwhelmingly in Etar's favour, and Sevlievo failed to register a goal despite one clear chance through Kanchev late in the first half.

The 8-0 result is the biggest in this fixture's history — the previous three meetings between the sides had produced a combined six goals across all matches.

Etar conclude their pre-season schedule with this victory ahead of their Second League opener. Their next competitive fixture is against Nesebar on 25 July 2026, followed by a home match against Yantra Gabrovo on 3 August 2026 (live on Diema Sport). The squad presentation before this match offered fans a first look at the team for the new season, and the performance — albeit against weaker opposition — will build confidence.

Sevlievo, meanwhile, have their work cut out. This was their first pre-season friendly as they build towards the 2026-27 Third League campaign. The result underlines the significant gap in class and fitness between the two Bulgarian sides at this stage of the summer.

A pre-season mismatch that told us more about the gap in preparation than any underlying quality difference. Etar looked sharp, well-drilled and clinical — exactly what you want from a side days away from a competitive season. Sevlievo will improve with more training and friendlies, but this was a harsh introduction to their summer programme.