# Bulgarian First League matches and CSKA Sofia updates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-first-league-matches > Updated: 2026-09-15T13:20:32.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 11. In late July 2026, the Bulgarian First League saw several key results. Ludogorets Razgrad opened their campaign with a 1–0 win over Dunav Ruse, secured by a Bernard Tekpetey header. Other results included Lokomotiv Plovdiv’s 2–1 victory against Septemri Sofia, Botev Plovdiv’s 1–0 win over CSKA Sofia, and CSKA 1948’s 2–1 win over Botev Vratsa. As the league moved into the third round, attention focused on the August 2 match between CSKA Sofia and Dunav Ruse. Following an exhausting fixture against Maccabi Tel Aviv, CSKA Sofia prepared for an upcoming match against Botev Vratsa with expected tactical rotations. Coach Hristo Yanev was anticipated to rest players such as Stefano Sensi, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Leandro Godoy, Max Ebong, and Ioannis Pitas, while new signing Catalin Itu was expected to make his debut. By mid-August, CSKA Sofia faced new challenges following a 0–3 defeat against OFI Crete in the Europa League. As they prepared for a capital derby against Lokomotiv Sofia, the club was forced to play without Catalin Itu due to a red card suspension. However, CSKA Sofia has since decided to postpone the derby against Lokomotiv Sofia. Citing injuries, suspensions, and player fatigue following Europa League travel, the club utilized Bulgarian Football Union regulations that allow clubs in European competitions to postpone one domestic match during the playoff phase. Meanwhile, Ludogorets Razgrad maintained a perfect record. In their sixth-round match at the Huvepharma Arena, Ludogorets faced Slavia Sofia. Ludogorets entered the contest with 15 points from five matches, while Slavia Sofia, coached by Ratko Dostanic, held eighth place. During the match, Kwadwo Dua scored for Ludogorets to bring the score to 1–1. Botev Vratsa has since found momentum after a difficult start. In the eighth round of the efbet Liga, Ludogorets secured a 2–1 away victory against Lokomotiv Sofia. ## Claims - Catalin Itu is expected to debut for CSKA Sofia today against Botev Vratsa. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Coach Hristo Yanev is planning tactical rotations and lineup changes for the upcoming match. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Players Stefano Sensi, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Leandro Godoy, Max Ebong, and Ioannis Pitas are expected to rest. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The rotation follows an exhausting match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Catalin Itu is expected to wear jersey number 67. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Catalin Itu joined CSKA from Lokomotiv Plovdiv. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-15: CSKA Sofia defeats Lokomotiv Sofia 2-0 in efbet Liga match CSKA Sofia defeated Lokomotiv Sofia 2-0 in a postponed efbet Liga match, with goals from James Eto'o and Joel Schwartz, moving CSKA into second place in the league standings. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-faces-lokomotiv-sofia-in-postponed-league-match ### 2026-09-14: Ludogorets faces Septemvri Sofia in efbet Liga clash Ludogorets Razgrad hosts Septemvri Sofia in the 9th round of the efbet Liga, aiming to close the gap on league leaders before the international break. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ludogorets-faces-septemvri-sofia-in-efbet-liga-clash ### 2026-09-06: Ludogorets defeats Lokomotiv Sofia 2-1 in efbet Liga Ludogorets defeated Lokomotiv Sofia 2-1 in the efbet Liga, led by two goals from Ivaylo Chochev, despite a goal from Caue Carujo and a missed penalty by the visitors. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lokomotiv-sofia-faces-ludogorets-in-efbet-liga-clash ### 2026-09-04: Botev Vratsa defeats Septemvri Sofia 3-2 in First League comeback Botev Vratsa defeated Septemvri Sofia 3-2 in a dramatic comeback victory during the eighth round of the Bulgarian First League at the Vasil Levski National Stadium. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/botev-vratsa-defeats-septemvri-sofia-3-2-in-first-league-comeback ### 2026-08-23: Botev Vratsa defeats Botev Plovdiv 1-0 for first seasonal win Botev Vratsa earned its first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Botev Plovdiv in the efbet Liga, thanks to a 23rd-minute goal by Preslav Borukov. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-postpones-derby-against-lokomotiv-sofia ### 2026-08-22: Ludogorets and Slavia Sofia face off in Bulgarian First League Ludogorets and Slavia Sofia faced off in the Bulgarian efbet Liga, with the league leaders seeking to maintain their perfect winning streak against a defensively strong Slavia side. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ludogorets-and-slavia-sofia-face-off-in-bulgarian-first-league ### 2026-08-20: Bulgarian football: CSKA Sofia and Ludogorets prepare for upcoming league matches Bulgarian football updates: CSKA Sofia prepares for a derby against Lokomotiv Sofia following European losses, while Ludogorets aims to maintain a perfect season record against Slavia Sofia. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-football-clubs-prepare-for-upcoming-league-matches ### 2026-08-16: CSKA Sofia prepares tactical rotations and debut for Catalin Itu CSKA Sofia's Hristo Yanev is expected to rotate his squad for the match against Botev Vratsa, potentially handing new signing Catalin Itu his debut following a demanding match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-prepares-tactical-rotations-and-debut-for-catalin-itu ### 2026-08-02: CSKA Sofia and Ludogorets announce lineups for Bulgarian league matches CSKA Sofia and Ludogorets have released their starting lineups for upcoming efbet Liga games against Dunav Ruse and Botev Vratsa. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-and-ludogorets-announce-lineups-for-bulgarian-league-matches ### 2026-07-31: CSKA Sofia to host Dunav Ruse in Bulgarian First League clash on Aug. 2 CSKA Sofia hosts Dunav Ruse at Sofia’s Vasil Levski Stadium on 2 Aug 2026; CSKA are favourites, Dunav coach Lukov says his side is ready despite a few absences. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-to-host-dunav-ruse-in-bulgarian-first-league-clash-on-aug-2 ### 2026-07-25: Ludogorets beats Dunav Ruse 1-0 in Bulgarian league Ludogorets beat Dunav Ruse 1‑0; Lokomotiv defeated Septemri 2‑1 after a VAR‑confirmed goal; Botev Plovdiv led CSKA 1‑0; CSKA 1948 won 2‑1 over Botev Vratsa; Cherno More trailed Spartak 0‑1 at halftime. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-1948-beats-botev-vratsa-21-in-bulgarian-league-clash --- Cite as: Bulgarian First League matches and CSKA Sofia updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-first-league-matches