CSKA 1948 Sofia 3–3 Maribor: Pre-Season Friendly Ends in Six-Goal Thriller

An entertaining international club friendly between CSKA 1948 Sofia and Maribor on 2 July 2026 finished in a pulsating 3–3 draw at the Bulgarian side's training complex. Both teams used the fixture as a key part of their pre-season preparations, and the open, attacking nature of the game gave coaches plenty to analyse ahead of their respective domestic campaigns.

The match started at a frantic pace. Maribor struck first inside ten minutes, capitalising on a defensive miscommunication to slot home. CSKA 1948 Sofia responded quickly, equalising through a powerful header from a corner before taking the lead with a well-worked move that split the Slovenian defence. The first half ended 2–1 to the hosts, but the momentum swung again after the break.

Maribor emerged with renewed purpose and levelled the match with a stunning long-range effort in the 55th minute. The away side then grabbed their first lead of the game moments later, converting from a set piece to make it 3–2. But CSKA 1948 Sofia showed character, pressing forward in search of an equaliser and eventually finding it with ten minutes remaining, a scrappy finish after a goalmouth scramble ensuring the spoils were shared.

Key takeaways from the friendly

• Attacking intent – Both teams created numerous chances, with a combined 22 shots and 14 on target.
• Set-piece vulnerability – Three of the six goals came from dead-ball situations, an area both defences will want to sharpen.
• Fitness focus – As a pre-season friendly, multiple substitutions were used, allowing both managers to test different combinations.

For CSKA 1948 Sofia, the draw provides a solid foundation as they build towards the new season in Bulgaria. Maribor, meanwhile, will take confidence from their ability to come from behind twice away from home. Both sides are expected to schedule further friendlies before the competitive action begins.

Match date: 2 July 2026.