Slavia Sofia secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Romanian side CSM Slatina in an entertaining International Club Friendly at the Aleksandar Shalamanov Stadium on 8 July 2026. The Bulgarian First League outfit showcased their attacking depth in a lively contest that offered both teams valuable pre-season minutes.

Match Overview

Played under bright summer skies in Sofia, the friendly was the second pre-season fixture for both clubs. Slavia Sofia, looking to build rhythm ahead of the 2026–27 season, dominated early possession but were repeatedly tested by a disciplined CSM Slatina side. The Romanian visitors, competing in Liga II, showed no signs of intimidation and matched their hosts in intensity throughout the 90 minutes.

The match started at a high tempo. Slavia struck first in the 14th minute through a well-worked combination down the left flank. However, CSM Slatina responded swiftly, equalising just before the half-hour mark with a composed finish from inside the box. The back-and-forth nature continued as Slavia regained the lead before halftime with a powerful header from a corner.

Key Moments

• 14' – Slavia Sofia 1-0: A neat through ball split the Slatina defence, allowing the home striker to slot past the goalkeeper.
• 28' – Slavia Sofia 1-1: CSM Slatina’s midfielder capitalised on a defensive lapse, curling a shot into the far corner.
• 41' – Slavia Sofia 2-1: A textbook header from a corner restored the home side's lead moments before the interval.
• 63' – Slavia Sofia 3-1: A counter-attack caught Slatina stretched, and a low drive from the edge of the area made it two goals clear.
• 81' – Slavia Sofia 3-2: The visitors pulled one back with a well-struck volley, setting up a tense final ten minutes.

Tactical and Player Highlights

Slavia Sofia fielded a mix of experienced campaigners and younger talents, using the friendly to test different formations. Their full-backs pushed high, creating overloads in wide areas, which proved decisive for the first and third goals. CSM Slatina, meanwhile, impressed with their transitional play, often breaking quickly through central channels. The Romanian side’s fitness levels were evident as they continued pressing until the final whistle.

Standout performers included Slavia’s central midfielder, who orchestrated the play with sharp passing, and Slatina’s 19-year-old winger, whose pace caused constant problems. The match also offered a glimpse into potential tactical adjustments ahead of competitive fixtures for both managers.

Season Context

For Slavia Sofia, this win adds momentum to a pre-season campaign designed to sharpen their attack after a mid-table finish in the Bulgarian First League last term. CSM Slatina, preparing for a challenging Liga II season, will take positives from their ability to create chances against higher-level opposition. Friendlies such as this serve as essential building blocks, offering coaches the chance to evaluate squad depth and match sharpness.

With the final score 3-2, the encounter delivered entertainment and intensity befitting a competitive derby, even if the trophy was nothing more than fitness and preparation. Both sets of supporters will hope their teams carry this spirit into the forthcoming season.