Botev (Plovdiv) defeated CSKA 1-0 in a league match during the 7th round of the 2024/25 season. This victory marked the first time in 39 years that “The Canaries” had beaten “The Army Men” in Sofia in a championship match.
The match took place at the “Lokomotiv” stadium in the Nadezhda district of the capital. Due to a penalty, CSKA was not allowed to have fans in the stands. Meanwhile, a group of over 150 supporters powerfully backed the yellow-black team from start to finish.
Inspired by their loyal fans, Botev’s players started the match stronger. In the early minutes, Ehije Ukaki had a golden opportunity to open the scoring. The Nigerian intercepted the ball in the opponent’s half and found himself one-on-one with Gustavo Busatto but failed to beat him.
Before halftime, Aleksa Marash also had a good chance, but his shot did not result in a goal either.
CSKA, led for the first time by Aleksandar Tomash, who replaced Tomislav Stipić earlier in the week, also had its good moments. The “Army Men” even hit the post during the first half, and Hans Christian Bernat made several important saves.
Botev waited for their moment in the 57th minute. Ukaki’s persistence allowed him to steal the ball again in CSKA’s half and find himself alone against the goalkeeper. This time, Botev’s winger didn’t miss and scored to make it 1-0.
Both teams had opportunities until the end of the match, but no further goals were scored.
With this victory, Botev returned to winning ways after their defeat to Spartak (Varna) in the previous round. After six matches, “The Canaries” have four wins, one draw, and one loss.
This was also Botev’s third consecutive victory over CSKA following their two wins in the semifinals of the Bulgarian Cup last season. The triumph in Nadezhda marks the first league win for Botev over CSKA in Sofia since 1985.
Starting Lineup: 1. Hans Christian Bernat; 17. Nikolay Minkov, 5. Joonas Tamm, 19.Antoine Conte, 38. Konstantinos Balogiannis; 15. James Eto’o, 20. Antonio Perera; 40. Christian Nwachukwu (90+1 88.Alen Korosec), 10. Ivelin Popov (C), 4.Ehije Ukaki (69’- 91.Vinni Triboulet)
99. Aleksa Marash.
