Botev (Plovdiv) secured their fifth league victory of the season with a 1-0 win in their away match against Beroe in Stara Zagora. The only goal of the match was scored by Christian Nwachukwu towards the end of the first half, marking a record achievement for the “yellow-blacks.” For the first time in their history, they recorded five consecutive away victories in the league.
In the 9th minute, Francisco Sargadia attempted to surprise Hans Christian Bernat with a shot from a considerable distance, but Botev’s Danish goalkeeper reacted and made the save. A quarter of an hour later, the home team had another chance, but Vinicius Belotti’s weak shot from a good position didn’t trouble Bernat.
In the 36th minute, Botev’s first clear chance arrived. Christian Nwachukwu broke into the penalty area, exchanged passes with Yanis Karabelov, but the Nigerian couldn’t combine with a teammate after an intervention by Beroe’s goalkeeper Artur Mota.
Three minutes later, a three-pass combination between Ivelin Popov, Antonio Perera, and Nwachukwu ended with a goal by the winger. It was the Nigerian’s second goal of the season, along with two assists. In 13 matches so far this season, Nwachukwu has 3 goals and 3 assists.
In the second half, Beroe responded with a shot from substitute Enzo Espinoza, but Bernat made another save. Shortly after, an individual run by Nwachukwu ended with a shot that didn’t trouble Mota. The home team had another good opportunity late in the match, but Juan Camilo Pineda’s header missed the target.
Five minutes before the end of regular time, Ivelin Popov received a straight red card for a foul on Carlos Algarra after a VAR review.
This was Botev’s fifth consecutive away win since the start of the season. In addition to their victory against Beroe, the “Canaries” have also won away matches against Botev Vratsa, Krumovgrad, Hebar, and CSKA. This marks the first time in the club’s history that they have achieved five consecutive away victories. With 16 points, Botev has climbed to second place in the standings.
In the ninth round, Botev will visit Arda, with the match in Kardzhali scheduled for September 23 (Monday) at 8:00 PM.
Botev’s Starting Lineup:
1. Hans Christian Bernat, 17. Nikolay Minkov, 5. Joonas Tamm, 19. Antoine Conte, 38. Konstantinos Balogiannis; 20. Antonio Perera, 28. Yanis Karabelov (82′ – 88. Alen Korosets), 40. Christian Nwachukwu (90+4′ – Nikola Iliev), 10. Ivelin Popov (C), 4. Ehije Ukaki, 99. Aleksa Maras (75′ – 91. Vini Tribule)
