Levski Sofia on the Verge of Ending 17-Year Title Drought After 1-0 Win Over CSKA 1948

Key facts

• Levski Sofia leads the efbet League standings with 73 points, 11 ahead of second-placed CSKA 1948.
• Marco Dugandzic scored his debut goal for Levski in the 71st minute to secure a 1-0 victory.
• CSKA 1948's Adama Traore was sent off in the 55th minute for a dangerous tackle on Everton Bala.
• Levski remains unbeaten at home this season at Georgi Asparuhov Stadium.
• CSKA 1948 had won three consecutive matches before this defeat, including a 2-1 victory over Ludogorets Razgrad.
• Police from multiple units, including the Gendarmerie and Special Operations, are deployed for security at the match.
• The match was played at the National Stadium Vasil Levski, with doors opening at 2:00 p.m. for the 4:00 p.m. kickoff.

A Fortress Finally Breached

Levski Sofia is one victory away from its first Bulgarian league title in 17 years after a hard-fought 1-0 win over CSKA 1948 at the National Stadium Vasil Levski on Sunday. The goal, scored by Marco Dugandzic in the 71st minute, was his first for the club and could prove the decisive moment in a season that has seen Levski dominate the efbet League. With 73 points from 32 matches, Julio Velasquez's side now holds an unassailable 11-point lead at the top of the table. A win in their next fixture would mathematically secure the championship for the first time since 2009, ending a drought that has weighed heavily on one of Bulgaria's most storied clubs.

Dugandzic's Debut Strike Decides Tight Contest

The match was a tense, tactical affair, with both sides creating chances but failing to find the net until the second half. Levski's best opportunities in the first half came through Mazir Soula, who forced a save from Dimitar Sheitanov in the 7th minute, and Radoslav Kirilov, whose poor touch denied him a shot on goal in the 16th. CSKA 1948 hit the post through Mamadou Diallo in the 20th minute and had a header from Lasha Dvali saved by Svetoslav Vutsov just before halftime. The breakthrough came after a defensive mix-up in the CSKA 1948 penalty area. A cross into the box caused confusion between Andre Hoffman and Lasha Dvali, allowing the ball to fall to Dugandzic, who fired a powerful shot past Sheitanov. The goal was the culmination of sustained pressure from Levski, who had been reduced to 10 men for a spell after Adama Traore's red card in the 55th minute.

Red Card Shifts Momentum

The turning point came in the 55th minute when CSKA 1948's Adama Traore was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Everton Bala. The central defender, who had also been sent off in a previous encounter between the two sides in Bistritsa, left his team with a numerical disadvantage for the final 35 minutes. Levski capitalized on the extra space, with Oliver Kamdem causing havoc on the right flank. Kamdem, who had already created several chances, was instrumental in the buildup to the goal, though it was ultimately a defensive error that gifted Dugandzic his opportunity. CSKA 1948 coach Aleksandar Aleksandrov had made no changes to the lineup that beat Ludogorets, but his side struggled to replicate that form after the dismissal.

Security Operation in Full Swing

The match was played under a heavy security presence, with police from the Sofia Directorate of Internal Affairs, the General Directorate of the National Police, the General Directorate of the Gendarmerie, Special Operations and Combating Terrorism, and the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs deployed across the capital. A security zone was established around the National Stadium Vasil Levski, with multiple checkpoints enforcing access restrictions. Police urged fans to arrive early, with stadium doors opening at 2:00 p.m. for the 4:00 p.m. kickoff. Officers conducted checks for prohibited items, including firearms, pyrotechnics, knives, and bottles, and enforced bans on individuals previously convicted of anti-social acts. Minors were allowed entry only with an adult companion and a pre-filled declaration. The use of drones was prohibited in a wide area around the stadium and key government buildings.

Title Race Nears Conclusion

Levski's victory leaves them needing just one more win to clinch the title, with their next match likely to be a formality. The club's unbeaten home record at Georgi Asparuhov Stadium has been a cornerstone of their campaign, and the fans, who created a spectacular display of flares and balloons in the stands, are already anticipating a long-awaited celebration. For CSKA 1948, the defeat ends a three-match winning streak and leaves them in second place, still 11 points behind. Their focus will now shift to securing a European qualification spot, with the season entering its final stretch. The match also highlighted the physical intensity of Bulgarian football, with Traore's red card and several other robust challenges underscoring the high stakes.

A Club Reborn After Years of Struggle

Levski's potential title win would mark a remarkable turnaround for a club that has endured financial difficulties and on-field disappointments since its last championship in 2009. Under Spanish coach Julio Velasquez, the team has developed a resilient, attacking style that has proved too strong for the rest of the league. The return of Mustafa Sangare from injury and the emergence of players like Mazir Soula have added depth to a squad that now stands on the brink of glory. As the final whistle blew, the blue-and-white clad fans erupted in joy, sensing that the 17-year wait is almost over. The next match will be a coronation, but for now, Levski can savor a victory that brings them closer to ending one of Bulgarian football's longest droughts.

The bottom line

• Levski Sofia is one win away from its first Bulgarian league title since 2009 after a 1-0 victory over CSKA 1948.
• Marco Dugandzic scored his debut goal for Levski in the 71st minute, capitalizing on a defensive error.
• CSKA 1948 played the final 35 minutes with 10 men after Adama Traore's straight red card for a dangerous tackle.
• Police deployed a large security operation around the National Stadium Vasil Levski, including checkpoints and a drone ban.
• Levski remains unbeaten at home this season, a key factor in their title charge.
• CSKA 1948's three-match winning streak ended, but they remain in second place with European qualification still possible.