CSKA Sofia host Derry City in a UEFA Europa League first leg clash on July 9th, 2026, with the Bulgarian side looking to assert their dominance. CSKA arrive with mixed recent form, registering two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five outings, scoring nine goals but conceding seven. This suggests an attacking intent but also potential defensive vulnerabilities.
Derry City, conversely, face an uphill battle. Their two competitive matches this season have both ended in defeat, scoring just one goal while conceding three. This poor start highlights the challenge ahead for the Irish club, who will be hoping to contain CSKA and secure a crucial away goal.
The odds firmly favour CSKA at 1.33, reflecting their superior form and home advantage. The "Over 2.5 goals" market at 1.55 appears attractive given CSKA's scoring record. Key narratives will revolve around whether CSKA can convert their attacking chances and if Derry can tighten their defence to avoid being overwhelmed. Watch for CSKA's early press and Derry's counter-attacking opportunities.
21. F. Lapoukhov, 2. Pastor, 14. T. Ivanov, 32. F. Rodriguez, 17. A. Martino, 6. B. Jordao, 30. P. Panayotov, 8. S. Sensi, 94. I. Solet, 28. I. Pittas, 10. J. Zwarts
1. B. Maher, 2. B. Cotter, 22. C. Barr, 3. P. McClean, 19. B. Fleming, 23. C. Dummigan, 16. J. McClean, 8. A. O'Reilly, 28. J. Olayinka, 7. M. Duffy, 27. L. Boyce
Match events
19' Goal Normal Goal — I. Pittas (CSKA Sofia)
31' Goal Normal Goal — L. Boyce (Derry City) (assists: M. Duffy)
41' Goal Normal Goal — B. Jordao (CSKA Sofia) (assists: S. Sensi)
53' Goal Normal Goal — I. Pittas (CSKA Sofia) (assists: Pastor)
64' subst Substitution 1 — C. Dummigan (Derry City) (assists: N. Twisk)
71' subst Substitution 2 — C. Grogan (Derry City) (assists: J. Stott)
72' subst Substitution 1 — L. Godoy (CSKA Sofia) (assists: J. Zwarts)
72' subst Substitution 2 — I. Solet (CSKA Sofia) (assists: M. Brahimi)
75' Card Yellow Card — B. Cotter (Derry City)
83' subst Substitution 3 — R. Slevin (Derry City) (assists: J. McClean)
85' subst Substitution 3 — S. Sensi (CSKA Sofia) (assists: A. Piedrahita)
89' Goal Normal Goal — J. Olayinka (Derry City) (assists: L. Boyce)
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