CSKA Throws Down Gauntlet Ahead of Eternal Derby Clash with Levski

CSKA Sofia is gearing up for Saturday’s Eternal Derby against Levski with momentum on their side after a hard-fought victory over Ludogorets in the Bulgarian Cup semifinals. The Redmen secured a 2-1 away win in Razgrad, with Yoan Pitas and Leandro Godoy scoring the decisive goals in the final minutes to overturn an early deficit.

Head coach Hristo Yanev confirmed that midfielder Karel Fabien could be available for selection in the high-stakes derby, while Mustafa Sangare remains unavailable due to ongoing recovery. Fabien has resumed full team training this week, offering Yanev an additional option for the Levski clash.

Yanev praised his team’s performance against Ludogorets, calling it their best display of the season and emphasizing their proximity to eliminating the five-time champions for a fifth consecutive attempt in the Bulgarian Cup. The victory puts CSKA in a strong position ahead of the second leg at Vasil Levski Stadium.

Meanwhile, Levski manager Julio Velasquez admitted uncertainty about what surprises CSKA might have in store for the derby, acknowledging the competitiveness of their recent encounter with Ludogorets. He described that match as “balanced, competitive, and healthy,” noting Sangare’s continued absence from training while confirming Fabien’s return to full participation.

The Eternal Derby carries significant weight beyond local pride, with both teams trailing league leaders Levski in the standings and viewing the Bulgarian Cup as their prime opportunity to secure European qualification. CSKA and Ludogorets previously played to a goalless draw in Sofia during the regular season, while Ludogorets claimed a 3-0 victory in Razgrad during the spring fixture.

In related developments, the Bulgarian Football Union has sanctioned both Ludogorets and CSKA following incidents during their cup encounter, though specific details of the penalties were not disclosed in the latest reports.