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Derry City will begin their quest to reach the league phase of the Europa League, with the first leg of their first round qualifier set to come against hosts CSKA Sofia at Stadion Vasil Levski on Thursday.
The League of Ireland visitors managed to reach the qualifiers of Europe's secondary competition thanks to their second-placed finish in 2025, whereas their opponents finished fourth in Bulgaria's Parva Liga in 2025-26.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
CSKA Sofia vs Derry City key stats
- Derry City have conceded at least two goals in nine of their last 15 away games in Europe.
- CSKA Sofia have opened the scoring in seven of their past 10 competitive fixtures.
- Derry City have scored exactly one goal in five of their last six away matches.
- CSKA Sofia conceded seven goals in the four friendlies they have played in the buildup to Thursday.
- The hosts led at half time in two of their four friendlies.
CSKA Sofia vs Derry City preview: Derry fighting against history?
CSKA Sofia vs Derry City — Tale of the Tape
| CSKA Sofia | vs | Derry City |
|---|---|---|
| 4th (2025-26 Bulgarian Parva Liga) | Position | 6th (League of Ireland) |
| 63 | Points | 29 |
| 71 | Goals For | 32 |
| 47 | Goals Against | 31 |
| 14 | Clean Sheets | 6 |
| 2nd | Home / Away Rank | 7th |
CSKA Sofia ended the 2025-26 season in fourth place in the Bulgarian top flight, meaning they will have to wait at least another year before they win their first league title since 2007–08.
The hosts have faced Derry City twice before, though those clashes came in the 2009-10 season, when they drew 1-1 away from home and won 1-0 in Bulgaria to advance into the Europa League's playoff round.
Boss Hristo Yanev has overseen four friendly fixtures since the end of 2025-26, and he managed to guide his team to three victories and one defeat, though they did end last term having suffered two defeats in four games while only winning once.
Midfielder Maks Ebong is unfortunately suspended for Thursday's clash, so perhaps Mohamed Brahimi will take his place in the lineup in a midfield three.
Derry have failed to reach the league or group phase of a European competition in their last 14 attempts, a period that dates back to their failed Champions League bid in the 2007-08 season.
The visitors should take comfort from the fact they have won their last four home games in Europe, though fans will be concerned considering they have lost 10 of their past 15 continental games on the road.
Manager Tiernan Lynch has not enjoyed a particularly fruitful 2026 domestically, as while his side finished second in 2025, they are currently sixth with 29 points in the League of Ireland.
In fact, the Candystripes have triumphed in just two of their 12 most recent fixtures – all of which were domestic matches – and a defeat on Thursday would be their fifth in 13 outings.
CSKA Sofia vs Derry City form guide & betting tips
| CSKA Sofia | vs | Derry City |
|---|---|---|
W
L
W
W
|
Form |
W
L
D
W
L
|
| 8 | Goals For | 10 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 8 |
N/A |
Europa League qualifying | N/A |
Whispers predicts: CSKA Sofia 2-1 Derry City
Neither team boast a particularly strong record in Europe, but Derry City have historically travelled poorly on the continent, so it is no surprise to see the bookmakers back a home win at 2/7 (1.29).
Indeed, Derry have frequently conceded at least two goals away from home in Europe, meaning it would be sensible to predict Over 1.5 Goals for CSKA Sofia at 2/5 (1.4).
It should be noted that the hosts have been vulnerable in pre-season friendlies, and their apparent frailty makes a prediction of Both Teams to Score – valued at 11/10 (2.1) – a smart bet.
While many may see the Bulgarian side as favourites, they have been level at the interval in two of their four friendlies, so there may be value in predicting a Draw at Half Time at 6/4 (2.5).
> Over 1.5 Goals for CSKA Sofia at 2/5 (1.4) | Likelihood: Likely
> Both Teams to Score at 11/10 (2.1) | Likelihood: Possible
> Draw at Half Time at 6/4 (2.5) | Likelihood: Possible