CSKA 1948 defeated Lokomotiv Sofia 3-1 away in the Sofia derby on Saturday to secure their third consecutive championship victory. The result gives CSKA 1948 10 points after four matchdays, placing them two points behind league leader Levski.
The win comes three days before CSKA 1948 host Panathinaikos at Vasil Levski Stadium on Tuesday at 20:30 in the second leg of the Conference League third qualifying round. CSKA 1948 head coach Aleksandar Aleksandrov rested every player who featured in Wednesday's first leg at the OAKA stadium, making 11 changes to his starting lineup.
The rested players included goalkeeper Marinov, full-backs Medina and Gasevic, center-backs Dvali and Hofmann, and midfielders Zamzemi and Cuellar. Goalscorer Rusev, who had a one-on-one chance stopped by goalkeeper Pena in the first leg, also did not play.
Second Half Goals
After a scoreless first half in which CSKA 1948 played conservatively, Franco opened the scoring in the 53rd minute following an assist from Vitanov. Aleksandrov made four substitutions on the hour mark, bringing on regular starters including Maciel.
Maciel extended the lead to 2-0 in the 73rd minute. Delev scored for Lokomotiv Sofia in the 77th minute to cut the deficit, but Maciel scored his second goal in the 87th minute to seal the 3-1 win. CSKA 1948 opened their league season with a draw against Spartak Varna before victories over Botev Vratsa, Arda, and Lokomotiv Sofia.
Match Lineups
According to Gazzetta.gr, CSKA 1948 fielded Bozhdev, Grivic, Parkhomenko, Benamar, Soltani, Vitanov, Krebs, Martinez, Tsonev, Franco, and Diallo. Aleksandrov brought on Kons. Iliev for Benamar, Rusev for Martinez, Maciel for Tsonev, and At. Iliev for Diallo in the 60th minute, followed by Mayer for Krebs in the 82nd minute.
