Levski Sofia 1 – 0 CSKA 1948 Sofia | Bulgarian First League

Levski Sofia claimed a fiery 1–0 derby victory over city rivals CSKA 1948 Sofia in the Bulgarian First League on May 3, 2026. A closely fought encounter at Georgi Asparuhov Stadium saw the hosts edge ahead through a first-half strike and then grind out the win with a resolute defensive display in the second period.

The match was played at an intense pace, with both sides eager to claim bragging rights in the Sofia derby. Levski started brightly and took the lead with a well-taken goal that lifted the home crowd. CSKA 1948 Sofia pushed forward after the break, enjoying spells of possession and creating several half-chances, but Levski’s backline stood firm. The visitors’ frustrations grew as the match wore on, with several robust challenges leading to yellow cards on both sides in a tense finale.

Key Moments

• First-half opener: Levski’s midfielder latched onto a loose ball outside the area and fired a low drive into the bottom corner past the CSKA 1948 goalkeeper.
• Missed chances for the visitors: CSKA 1948 had their best opportunity in the 65th minute when a header from a corner went narrowly over the crossbar.
• Stoppage-time drama: Levski survived a late scramble in their penalty area, clearing a goal-bound effort off the line to preserve the narrow lead.

Derby Day and Standings Impact

Victory in this Bulgarian First League derby is a significant morale boost for Levski Sofia, strengthening their grip on a top-half position and keeping them within touching distance of the European qualification places. For CSKA 1948 Sofia, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow but they remain a competitive force in the division, with time to recover and push forward in the remaining fixtures of the season.