First League 2026 Matchday 23 Review: Surprises & Results

Round 23 of Bulgaria's First League 2026: Goals, Drama, and Key Moments

The 23rd matchday of the 2025/26 season in Bulgaria's First League was anything but dull. With goals flying in, tight contests, and unexpected twists, the round kept fans on the edge of their seats. Arda Kardzhali eked out a 1-0 home victory over Spartak Varna, affirming their resilience. Meanwhile, top contenders like Levski Sofia showcased their offensive firepower with a 4-3 thriller against Lokomotiv Sofia. The round’s highlight was Septemvri Sofia’s 2-0 away win over CSKA Sofia, a major upset that rocked the standings. Conversely, Ludogorets’s 1-1 draw with Lokomotiv Plovdiv surprised many, given Ludogorets’ recent form. As the season approaches its climax, these results have significant implications for the race at the top and European qualification spots.

Our Prediction Scorecard: How Did We Do?

Overall, our predictions had mixed success this round. Here’s a snapshot:

• 1X2 predictions: 3 correct out of 8 (38%) – a modest showing, with some key misses
• Over/Under 2.5 goals: 5 correct (63%) – reflecting good insight into match flow
• Both Teams to Score (BTTS): 4 correct (50%) – highlighting the unpredictability of attacking vs. defensive setups

While we nailed some straightforward calls, notably Arda Kardzhali’s win and Levski Sofia’s high-scoring victory, others, like Ludogorets's draw and the surprising defeat of CSKA Sofia, showed room for improvement. The overall accuracy underlines the unpredictable nature of the league at this stage of the season.

Most Notable Results in Detail

Septemvri Sofia 2-0 CSKA Sofia

This result was arguably the biggest shock of the round. CSKA Sofia, one of the top contenders, faced a resilient Septemvri side that executed a disciplined tactical plan to perfection. Our prediction leaned towards CSKA Sofia, given their offensive strength, but Septemvri's solid defense and clinical counters stole the show. This victory not only opened up the standings but also demonstrated that no team is invincible in 2026.

Levski Sofia 4-3 Lokomotiv Sofia

In what turned out to be a thrilling goal-fest, Levski Sofia showcased their attacking prowess, embracing their reputation as the league's most potent offense. Our prediction for over 2.5 goals proved correct, but the no BTTS call didn’t quite pan out, as both teams found the net multiple times. The high-scoring affair emphasized Levski’s offensive firepower and some defensive vulnerabilities from Lokomotiv Sofia.

Ludogorets 1-1 Lokomotiv Plovdiv

This draw defied expectations, especially considering Ludogorets’s recent form and their role as title contenders. Our prediction for Ludogorets to win failed, and the under 2.5 goals prediction also missed, reflecting how unpredictable matches can be, with both teams fighting hard for points.

Biggest Surprises: Where Predictions Missed

• CSKA Sofia’s defeat to Septemvri Sofia: As mentioned, this was a major upset. We predicted a draw or a win for CSKA Sofia, but Septemvri’s disciplined approach paid off, catching the top team off guard.
• Ludogorets’s draw against Lokomotiv Plovdiv: Our prediction favored a Ludogorets win, but the match proved to be a tightly contested battle, ending in a stalemate that shook up the title race.
• Botev Vratsa 0-0 Beroe: We predicted a Botev Vratsa win, but Beroe’s resilient defense held firm, resulting in a goalless stalemate that added to the league’s unpredictability.

Some misses stemmed from underestimating teams’ defensive resilience and tactical adaptability, especially in a season where squad depth and strategic planning have become critical.

Best Calls of the Round

• Arda Kardzhali’s victory: Our prediction for Arda to win under 2.5 goals proved accurate, highlighting their disciplined approach.
• Levski Sofia’s high-scoring win: We correctly anticipated over 2.5 goals, validating their offensive potency.
• Botev Vratsa vs. Beroe BTTS no: The prediction held, emphasizing the tendency for some matches to hinge on defensive solidity rather than attacking flair.

Standings Impact: How the Round Changed the Table

The current standings reflect the intense competition this season. Levski Sofia remains top with 56 points, thanks to their dramatic win, while CSKA 1948 and Ludogorets are tied at 43 points, with Ludogorets dropping crucial points through their draw. Arda Kardzhali’s victory keeps them within reach of the European spots, but top-tier teams like CSKA Sofia and Cherno More are closing in. The surprise defeat of CSKA Sofia could shift the momentum, making the upcoming matches even more pivotal.

The table’s fluidity underscores the league’s competitiveness, with several teams jostling for European qualification and avoiding relegation scraps. Every point counts as the season heads into its final stretch.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

With the league approaching its final rounds, the pressure intensifies. Upcoming fixtures will be critical for top contenders and relegation battlers alike. Fans can anticipate tactical adjustments, star performances, and possibly more surprises. The race for the top four remains tight, and every match will further shape the final standings. Keep an eye on matchups involving the leaders, as they could be decisive in determining who will claim European spots and who might face relegation battles.

Stay tuned for our next round review, where we will analyze more unpredictable moments and continue dissecting Bulgaria’s exciting 2026 season.