Ludogorets exited the Bulgarian Cup after a 0:0 away draw against CSKA in the second leg of the semi-finals. Following CSKA’s 2:1 victory over the “Eagles” in Razgrad, the “Army Men” secured their place in the final.

In the opening minutes, both teams exchanged chances through Max Ebonh and Erick Marcus. In the 24th minute, Deroy Duarte made an excellent run down the left and passed to Petar Stanic. The Serbian player aimed for goal, but Facundo Rodriguez cleared what looked like a certain goal with an incredible sliding tackle.

Shortly after, Facundo Rodriguez handled the ball while trying to intercept a pass from Narey, but referee Gero Piskov waved play on. The situation was reviewed by VAR, after which it was determined that the infringement occurred just centimeters outside the penalty area, meaning no penalty could be awarded.

At the end of the first half, Pedro Naressi delivered a cross from the left to the advancing Dinis Almeida. The Portuguese defender headed the ball, Fedor Lapoukhov saved it, and Kwadwo Duah attempted a volley, but his shot struck Facundo Rodriguez.

The second half began with two attempts from the home side – Leo Pereira and James Eto’o – but both were off target.

In the 82nd minute, Ludogorets substitute Bernard Tekpetey came close to equalizing, but Fedor Lapoukhov reacted quickly and made a decisive save to keep his goal intact.