Marek Dupnitza 1-3 CSKA Sofia II — CSKA Sofia II produced a controlled away performance to beat Marek Dupnitza 3-1 in the Bulgarian Vtora Liga on Friday night, turning a tight first half into a deserved victory with two second-half goals at the Marek Stadium.

The result gives CSKA Sofia II an important three points in the Vtora Liga standings and extends a promising run for the reserve side. Marek Dupnitza, meanwhile, were left to rue a bright start that faded after the interval as the visitors imposed themselves on the game.

Match overview

Marek Dupnitza began with real energy in front of their home support, pressing high and looking to force mistakes in the CSKA Sofia II build-up. The hosts won several early set-pieces and threatened from wide areas, with their best openings coming from crosses into the penalty area. That early pressure eventually paid off when Marek took the lead, giving the home crowd something to build on.

CSKA Sofia II responded calmly rather than rushing their play. The visitors gradually settled into possession, moved the ball quicker through midfield and began to find space between Marek’s defensive lines. Their equaliser arrived before half-time and changed the mood of the contest, sending the teams into the break level and setting up a second half in which CSKA Sofia II looked the more composed side.

Key moments

The opening goal came from Marek’s willingness to commit numbers forward. A sustained spell of pressure ended with the ball worked into the box, and the home side finished confidently to take a 1-0 advantage. For a period, Marek looked capable of protecting that lead and perhaps adding a second on the counter.

CSKA Sofia II’s response was decisive. Just before the interval, the visitors found an equaliser that rewarded their growing control of midfield. A quick passing sequence pulled the Marek defence out of shape, and the finish was calm enough to silence the home crowd. The timing of the goal was crucial, denying Marek the chance to protect a half-time lead.

After the restart, CSKA Sofia II took the initiative. They scored their second goal in the 58th minute after winning the ball back high up the pitch and attacking before Marek could reorganise. The third goal arrived late in the game, sealing the win and confirming the visitors’ superiority in the closing stages.

Tactical story

Marek Dupnitza’s plan was built on intensity and direct play. The hosts tried to win the ball early, use the width of the pitch and deliver crosses into the box. That approach worked well in the opening quarter, but it became harder to sustain as CSKA Sofia II began to circulate possession and make Marek chase the game.

CSKA Sofia II adjusted intelligently after the break. Their midfield pushed higher, closing the space between the lines and forcing Marek into longer passes. With the visitors winning more second balls, the match shifted into CSKA Sofia II’s preferred rhythm: quick transitions, patient possession and clinical finishing in the final third. Marek’s defensive line dropped deeper as the game wore on, and the away side exploited that space with well-timed runs.

Standout performers

The CSKA Sofia II midfield deserved much of the credit for the comeback. Their ability to control the tempo after an difficult opening period gave the team a platform to attack, while the forwards made the most of the chances created. The visiting centre-forward was a constant outlet, holding the ball up and bringing teammates into play.

For Marek Dupnitza, the goalkeeper made several important stops to keep the scoreline respectable, especially during CSKA Sofia II’s strongest spell after half-time. The home side’s captain also worked tirelessly in midfield, but Marek lacked the same cutting edge in the final 20 minutes.

Standings and season impact

The victory strengthens CSKA Sofia II’s position in the Bulgarian Vtora Liga table and gives the reserves another confidence-boosting result. For Marek Dupnitza, the defeat is a setback in their efforts to build momentum at home, and the team will need to respond quickly in their next fixture.

With the Vtora Liga campaign moving through a congested period, points away from home are especially valuable. CSKA Sofia II will view this as a professional road win, while Marek Dupnitza must address the way the game slipped away after half-time if they are to climb the standings.