In an International Club Friendly, Botev Plovdiv delivered a strong 3-1 performance against city rivals Lokomotiv Sofia in a match played on March 27, 2026. This preseason or mid-season friendly provided valuable minutes for both Bulgarian clubs, with Botev Plovdiv showcasing their attacking prowess to secure a convincing win. The home side started brightly and took the lead within the first twenty minutes through a clinical finish from their main striker. Lokomotiv Sofia grew into the game and found an equalizer just before halftime, capitalizing on a defensive error. The second half, however, was dominated by Botev Plovdiv, who restored their lead with a powerful header from a corner and then sealed the victory with a late counter-attacking goal. The match was played in a good spirit, with both managers using the opportunity to rotate squads and test tactical setups ahead of more competitive fixtures. While the result of a friendly has no bearing on any league table, the performance will give Botev Plovdiv confidence, while Lokomotiv Sofia has clear areas to work on before their next official match.