CSKA Sofia maintained their psychological edge over Beroe in Stara Zagora, securing a commanding 3-0 victory that extended their winning streak against the hosts to 12 consecutive matches. The result, a clinical display of efficiency and timing, reinforces the capital club’s position in the top four of the efbet Liga as the race for the playoffs intensifies.
From the opening whistle, the visitors dictated the tempo, leaving Beroe struggling to find a rhythm despite the support of 3,567 fans. While the scoreline suggests a comfortable evening for the “Army Men,” the match featured moments of high tension, a contested VAR decision, and a poignant personal milestone for one of the goalscorers.
The match began with an immediate statement of intent. In the 4th minute, CSKA capitalized on a set piece when James Eto’o delivered a precise corner. Captain Adrian Lapenya rose above the defense to head the ball home, giving the visitors an early 1-0 lead and forcing the home side to chase the game for the remainder of the evening.
Resistance and Controversy in Stara Zagora
Despite the early deficit, Beroe attempted to mount a comeback. The period between the 30th and 35th minutes saw the hosts create their best opportunities. CSKA goalkeeper Fyodor Lapoukhov was forced into several critical saves, including a point-blank stop against Bornino following a defensive lapse by Lapenya.
The tension peaked in the 33rd minute when Beroe players and staff vehemently claimed a penalty. A shot heading toward the CSKA goal appeared to strike the arm of Adrian Lapenya. But, referee Todor Kirov waved away the appeals, and the VAR officials did not intervene to suggest a review. The decision left the home crowd frustrated and the match’s momentum shifting back toward the visitors.
The game took a brief atmospheric pause in the 64th minute when a pyrotechnic display from the Beroe supporters forced a temporary halt in play. While the visuals were striking, the disruption did little to aid the hosts’ struggle for a breakthrough.
Clinical Finishing and a Father’s Celebration
As the match entered its final stages, CSKA’s depth proved decisive. After a series of substitutions, including the introduction of Isak Sole, the visitors found the second goal in the 82nd minute. Sole delivered a cross into the box, which Mohamed Brahimi controlled expertly with his chest before turning and firing a precise shot past Arthur Motta.
The final blow came in stoppage time, but it was the most human moment of the match. Ioannis Pitas, who had entered the game in the 71st minute, was fouled in the penalty area by Ismael Ferrer in the 89th minute. Pitas, who recently became a father, stepped up in the 91st minute to convert the penalty with composure.
The Cypriot forward’s celebration was more than just a mark of victory; he dedicated the goal to his firstborn son, sharing a heartfelt moment with his teammates that transcended the tactical nature of the win. With the 3-0 result finalized, the “classic” scoreline reflected the widening gap between the two sides.
Tactical Fallout and Next Steps
While the victory is a boost for coach Hosu Uribe, it comes with a tactical cost. Mohamed Brahimi, the author of the second goal, received his fifth yellow card of the season in the 86th minute. This booking triggers an automatic suspension, meaning the Algerian midfielder will be unavailable for the upcoming trip to Montana.
For Beroe, the loss is a sobering reminder of their struggles this season. Despite a recent win over Montana that broke a long winless streak, the inability to break down CSKA highlights the defensive and clinical disparities they must address to climb from 14th place in the standings.
| Event | Minute | Player/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| First Goal | 4′ | Adrian Lapenya (Header) |
| Penalty Claim | 33′ | Handball claim (Not awarded) |
| Second Goal | 82′ | Mohamed Brahimi |
| Third Goal | 90+1′ | Ioannis Pitas (Penalty) |
| Suspension | 86′ | M. Brahimi (5th Yellow Card) |
CSKA now turns its attention to the next round of the league, where they will look to maintain their momentum without Brahimi. Their ability to rotate the squad and maintain this level of dominance will be key as they seek to solidify their top-four standing before the playoffs begin.
Join the conversation in the comments below—do you sense CSKA’s dominance over Beroe is purely tactical, or is it a psychological barrier for the Stara Zagora side? Share this story with other football fans.
