CSKA 1948 Sofia power past Neff supporting Simic in Bulgarian Cup

CSKA 1948 Sofia booked their place in the next round of the Bulgarian Cup with a commanding 4-0 away victory over Neff supporting Simic on October 16, 2026. The professional side showed their superior quality from the first whistle, scoring twice in each half to complete a comfortable win.

Neff supporting Simic, the home team, worked hard and never gave up, but they were outclassed by a CSKA 1948 Sofia side that was sharper, faster and more clinical in front of goal. The result was rarely in doubt after an early opener, and CSKA 1948 Sofia managed the game expertly to avoid any late drama.

Match overview

CSKA 1948 Sofia started on the front foot, pressing high and moving the ball quickly. Their early dominance paid off in the 12th minute when a slick passing move opened up the home defence and the opening goal was slotted home with ease. The visitors continued to dictate play, and a second goal arrived in the 34th minute after a well-worked corner routine.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Neff supporting Simic tried to push forward, but that only created more space for CSKA 1948 Sofia to exploit. A third goal came in the 58th minute through a swift counter-attack, and the scoring was completed in the 79th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box.

CSKA 1948 Sofia’s defence remained solid throughout, limiting the home side to a few speculative efforts. The clean sheet was the perfect accompaniment to an impressive attacking display.

Key moments

• 12th minute: CSKA 1948 Sofia took the lead with a low finish after a clever through ball split the defence.
• 34th minute: A corner was only half-cleared, and CSKA 1948 Sofia doubled their advantage with a close-range tap-in.
• 58th minute: A rapid counter-attack ended with a composed finish to make it 0-3.
• 79th minute: The fourth goal arrived from distance, a powerful drive that flew into the bottom corner.
• 90th minute: Neff supporting Simic had their best chance, but the CSKA 1948 Sofia goalkeeper saved comfortably.

Tactical story

CSKA 1948 Sofia lined up in a 4-3-3 formation and used their technical superiority to control midfield. Their quick passing and intelligent movement pulled Neff supporting Simic out of shape, creating gaps between the lines. The front three were constantly rotating, making it difficult for the home defenders to mark them.

Neff supporting Simic tried to defend deep and frustrate their opponents, but they struggled to keep possession when they won the ball back. Their midfield was overrun, and their attempts to press high left them exposed at the back. The gulf in class was evident, but the home side deserve credit for their effort and resilience.

CSKA 1948 Sofia’s set-piece threat was also on display, with the second goal coming from a corner. Their ability to score from both open play and dead-ball situations makes them a dangerous cup team.

Standout players

Georgi Rusev was the standout performer for CSKA 1948 Sofia, scoring twice and causing problems all evening with his pace and direct running. He was involved in several of the best moves and took his goals confidently.

Ivaylo Markov controlled the midfield, dictating tempo and winning the ball back frequently. His distribution kept CSKA 1948 Sofia on the front foot. In defence, captain Petar Zanev led by example, organising the back line and ensuring the clean sheet.

For Neff supporting Simic, goalkeeper Stoyan Ivanov made several saves to prevent a heavier defeat, while midfielder Martin Todorov worked tirelessly despite limited support.

Cup progress and what it means

The 4-0 win sends CSKA 1948 Sofia into the next round of the Bulgarian Cup with confidence high. Cup competitions offer a chance for clubs to chase silverware, and CSKA 1948 Sofia will now be viewed as a serious contender based on this performance. For Neff supporting Simic, the result ends their cup run, but the experience of facing a top-flight side will be valuable for their squad.

CSKA 1948 Sofia will return to league action with momentum, while Neff supporting Simic can focus on their domestic campaign and look to build on the lessons from this match.