CSKA made a complete turnaround and defeated Beroe 2:1 in a match from the 35th round of the First League, thus guaranteeing fifth position in the final standings, which entitles them to participate in the play-offs for European club tournaments. The "Reds" are now unattainable at the top of the second four with 62 points, while Beroe remains in last place in this part of the standings with 46 points, BTA reports.
„The Army“ hosted the second consecutive championship match at the "Georgi Benkovski" stadium in Pazardzhik due to the occupancy of the "Vasil Levski" National Stadium in the capital. The match was marked by a great goal by Alberto Salido, who scored with a shot from the center to give Zaralii the lead in the tenth minute, but with goals from Stanislav Shopov and Zümur Butuci, Aleksandar Tomas' players achieved success.
In the third minute, the "reds" could have opened the scoring, but Adrian Lapeña's header after a cross from Thibaut Vion went over the crossbar. Seconds later, in the other penalty area, the Spanish defender missed Leandro Godoy, who received a pass from the left and tried a shot from a small angle, which was blocked by Fyodor Lapouhov.
In the eighth minute, in a similar situation, the CSKA goalkeeper saved with his foot and a shot by Juanca Pineda, who was missed by Thibaut Vion on the left flank.
In the tenth minute, the guests from Stara Zagora took the lead with a magnificent goal, scored by Alberto Salido with a shot behind the center line of the field. The Beroe midfielder was on the lookout for a mistake and intercepted a controversial pass from Marcelino Careasso to Adrian Lapeña, then shot instantly, passing Fedor Lapouhov - 0:1.
In the 17th minute, another inaccuracy in the symbolic home team's defense allowed Gianluca Coia to shoot from the edge of the penalty area, but the ball went inches past the left post.
In the counterattack, Alexander Tomas' players equalized. Ulaus Skarshem received a pass from the right and crossed accurately on the ground to the uncovered Stanislav Shopov (pictured), who had no problem scoring from close range for 1:1. With this score, the break came.
Ten minutes into the second half, Alberto Salido tried a long-range shot, which was too inaccurate.
In the 70th minute, Adrian Lapeña headed a cross from a corner well, but Artur Mota was careful and cleared it. Seconds later, Fyodor Lapouhov also acted safely on a long-range shot by Leandro Godoy.
In the 76th minute, Mota was also in place to block a shot by Skarshem, and subsequently Stanislav Shopov did not find the empty goal with a header from close range.
In the 84th minute, the pressure of the "army" still yielded results and they reached a second goal. Zümur Butuchi crossed sharply from a foul, and Adrian Lapeña's movement deceived Artur Mota, who was unable to react and the ball flew into his net for 2:1. Thus, the "reds" congratulated themselves on the final success and are now looking forward to the Bulgarian Cup final against Ludogorets on May 22.