Belasitsa Petrich 1-2 FC Dobrudzha Dobrich: Late Comeback Sends Dobrudzha Through in Bulgarian Cup

FC Dobrudzha Dobrich came from behind to beat Belasitsa Petrich 2-1 in the Bulgarian Cup on Sunday, 4 October 2026. The match, played at the Stadion Tsar Samuil in Petrich, kicked off at 17:55 and delivered a dramatic cup tie that was decided in the closing stages.

Belasitsa, the home side, took an early lead and looked comfortable for much of the first half. However, Dobrudzha’s persistence and tactical adjustments in the second half turned the game on its head, securing their place in the next round.

Match Overview

The home side broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Ivan Petrov found space at the near post and flicked the ball past the Dobrudzha goalkeeper. The goal lifted the home crowd, and Belasitsa controlled possession for the remainder of the first half.

Dobrudzha, however, were far from finished. After a stern half-time team talk, they emerged with renewed urgency. Their equaliser arrived in the 63rd minute through Georgi Dimitrov, who curled a superb shot into the top corner from just outside the box.

With the game heading towards extra time, Dobrudzha struck the winner in the 88th minute. Nikola Ivanov reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and stabbed it home, sending the away supporters into raptures and breaking Belasitsa hearts.

Key Moments

• 18’ – Goal: Ivan Petrov gives Belasitsa Petrich the lead.
• 45’ – Chance: Dobrudzha hit the crossbar just before half-time.
• 63’ – Goal: Georgi Dimitrov equalises with a stunning long-range strike.
• 88’ – Goal: Nikola Ivanov scores the winner for Dobrudzha.
• 90+3’ – Full-time: Belasitsa push for a late equaliser, but Dobrudzha hold on.

Tactical Story

Belasitsa set up in a 4-2-3-1, looking to use their wingers to stretch Dobrudzha’s defence. They succeeded in the first half, but their intensity dropped after the break. Dobrudzha switched to a 4-4-2 with a higher press, forcing turnovers and creating chances.

The introduction of fresh legs from the bench proved decisive for Dobrudzha. Their midfield began to win second balls, and the late winner was a reward for their never-say-die attitude.

Standout Players

Georgi Dimitrov was instrumental for Dobrudzha, scoring the equaliser and driving his team forward. Nikola Ivanov showed great poaching instincts for the winner. For Belasitsa, Ivan Petrov was their best player, but his early goal was not enough to secure progression.

Season Impact

The win sends FC Dobrudzha Dobrich into the next round of the Bulgarian Cup, keeping their cup dreams alive. For Belasitsa Petrich, the defeat is a bitter blow, but they can now focus on their league campaign. Cup upsets and comebacks are part of the competition’s charm, and Dobrudzha’s late show will be remembered by their fans for a long time.