Botev Plovdiv produced a convincing performance to secure a 3-0 victory over Septemvri Sofia in the 10th round of the First League at the Vasil Levski National Stadium.
The Canaries started brightly and had strong appeals for a penalty as early as the second minute, but referee Gero Piskov waved play on.
The hosts responded with two efforts on goal, although neither Franzetti nor Igor managed to find the target. Botev then took control in the 26th minute after a costly defensive error from Septemvri. Alberto Salido won possession and calmly fired past the goalkeeper to put the Yellow and Black in front.
Septemvri were awarded a number of controversial free-kicks as the half progressed, with Bozhidar Penchev going closest when his effort from a set piece struck the post. The hosts also created several more set-piece opportunities before the break, but Botev held on to their lead.
The second half began with a major turning point. In the 49th minute, Edni Ribeiro was shown a straight red card after a reckless challenge left Nikola Soldo injured. Soldo was unable to continue and was replaced by Senger.
Botev quickly capitalised on their numerical advantage. In the 53rd minute, Salido and Samuel Kalu combined brilliantly before the Nigerian winger cut inside and sent a precise diagonal strike beyond the Sofia goalkeeper to double the lead.
Chandarov came close to adding a third shortly afterwards, but his effort was saved by Ivanov.Septemvri registered their first shot on target in the 66th minute, but Daniel Naumov was equal to the effort. Botev then put the game beyond doubt in the 75th minute. Franklin Mascote picked out Samuel Kalu with a perfectly weighted pass, and the winger made no mistake from close range to score his second of the afternoon and make it 3-0.
Mauro Rodrigues had a fourth goal ruled out for offside in the 77th minute, while Nikola Iliev forced another save from Naumov with a dangerous free-kick five minutes later. Botev saw out the closing stages comfortably to secure a deserved three-goal victory and continue their campaign with another important three points.
Botev Plovdiv: 29 Daniel Naumov, 4 Nikola Soldo, 7 Alberto Salido, 10 Assen Chandarov, 16 Veliyan Vidolov, 19 Mauro Rodrigues, 27 Brian-Anthony Hayne, 77 Lucas Araújo, 82 Vladimir Mendes, 87 Simeon Petrov, 90 Samuel Kalu.
