Ludogorets defeats CSKA 3-0

Champion Ludogorets achieved a convincing victory over CSKA Sofia in the big derby of the 26th round of the efbet League. The “Eagles” recorded a classic 3-0 win over the “Reds.” The goals for the hosts were scored by Kwadwo Duah, Petar Stanic, and Rwan Cruz from a penalty.

With today’s win, Ludogorets moved to within six points of the leader Levski Sofia, who, however, has one game less. Tomorrow, the “Blues” will visit Beroe.

The first chances belonged to CSKA. Already in the second minute, the “Reds” were very close to opening the scoring. James Eto’o brilliantly set up Leo Pereira behind the Eagles’ defense, who advanced and skillfully played the ball past Bonman. After reaching the ball, Pereira attempted a pass to Pitas, but the visitor’s striker was intercepted at the last moment by Joel Andersson, who cleared the ball off the goal line.

The next opportunity also went to Hristo Yanev’s team. Following a corner, the home defense failed to deal with the ball properly, which fell to Pereira. The Brazilian was left unmarked at the edge of the penalty area on the left and shot diagonally, but the ball went wide of the post.

Gradually, the Ludogorets players leveled the game and, after about fifteen minutes, reached a good chance in front of the opponent’s goal. They were awarded a free kick outside the penalty area, but Erick Marcus did not execute it well.

Ludogorets, however, punished their opponent with their first serious attack. At the center of the action was Kwadwo Duah, who scored his sixth goal in the efbet League. The Swiss player was set up with a very precise pass from Erick Marcus and had no difficulty beating the opposing goalkeeper.

CSKA’s response came with a shot from Ioannis Pitas that hit the post, leaving him alone in the penalty area.

Per-Mathias Hogmo’s team secured a solid lead just before halftime with a second goal. Marcus again crossed in front of the penalty area, where Teodor Ivanov failed to clear the ball with a header. It fell to Petar Stanic, who gently redirected it into the left corner of Lapoukhov’s goal for 2-0.

The second half began with a glaring miss by Kwadwo Duah. Filip Kaloch made a perfect run down the right and found his teammate, who was completely unmarked in the box. The Swiss player shot without preparation but fired wildly over the goal.

The match was decided in the 71st minute when Rwan Cruz, who replaced the injured Kwadwo Duah, scored from a penalty. The penalty was awarded for a foul by Lumbard Delov against Cruz himself. Cruz was clinical from the spot, sending the CSKA goalkeeper to the opposite corner.

Shortly after, ugly scenes unfolded, caused by CSKA substitute Alejandro Piedrahita. The Colombian acted recklessly in the center of the pitch, brutally kicking Ivaylo Chochev without any chance of playing the ball. Afterwards, he confronted Deroy Duarte, who sought to hold him accountable. This led to a serious brawl between players from both teams, resulting in four yellow cards—two for each side.