In a major Bulgarian First League derby, Lokomotiv Plovdiv defeated arch-rivals CSKA Sofia 1-0 on August 3, 2025. A fiercely contested match at the Lokomotiv Stadium was decided by a second-half penalty, handing Plovdiv a massive victory in one of Bulgarian football's most heated rivalries. The game's pivotal moment arrived in the 65th minute when a CSKA defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area. Lokomotiv's captain stepped up and coolly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to spark wild celebrations. CSKA Sofia pressed for an equalizer but found the Plovdiv defense, led by a commanding center-back, in inspired form. The win provides a significant boost to Lokomotiv Plovdiv's early-season title aspirations and bragging rights, while dealing a psychological blow to CSKA. After the final whistle, the victorious manager hailed his team's heart and discipline, while the CSKA coach criticized the penalty decision that decided the match. The starting lineups featured both teams' strongest available players for this crucial encounter.