Levski Hit with Major Blow Ahead of Eternal Derby Against CSKA
Levski faces a significant setback just days before the Eternal Derby, as head coach Julio Velazquez is expected to miss the high-stakes clash against CSKA. The Spanish manager will be unable to lead his side from the touchline during the final match of the regular season.
The suspension stems from a yellow card Velazquez received during the closing stages of Levski’s 1-0 victory over Arda. This latest caution marks his third official warning of the campaign, triggering an automatic one-match ban according to league regulations. The rules dictate that managers are sidelined for one match upon accumulating three yellow cards, two matches for five, and three matches for seven.
Velazquez’s previous cautions occurred during the 5th round in a 0-0 draw against Botev Vratsa in Okolchitsa—where Levski dropped their first points of the season—and in the 17th round during a dominant 7-0 win over Septemvri Sofia.
The Eternal Derby is scheduled for April 13, 2026, at 16:00, serving as a pivotal 30th-round fixture in the First League. While the suspension is expected based on the accumulation of cards, official confirmation from the BFU Disciplinary Commission is still pending.
Losing their tactical leader on the bench is a tough blow for the “Blues” as they prepare for one of the most intense rivalries in football. The team will now have to navigate the pressure of the derby without their head coach’s direct guidance from the sidelines.
