“Ellis Chapman gave Derry the lead with a goal straight from a corner routine, capitalising on the chaos following Nick Twisk's introduction and Angelo Martino's yellow card just moments earlier.”
Pivotal“Ioannis Pittas restored parity for CSKA Sofia, levelling the tie just four minutes after the visitors made two tactical substitutions that shifted the balance of midfield control.”
Pivotal“In the cruelest of finishes, Barry Cotter turned a late CSKA Sofia corner into his own net in stoppage time, gifting the Bulgarian side a 2-1 lead they did not relinquish and eliminating Derry from Europe.”
Pivotal
Derry City
CSKA Sofia
Derry City had the perfect start to the second half when Ellis Chapman converted from a corner routine in the 47th minute, but CSKA Sofia's double substitution at the hour mark changed the complexion of the tie entirely. The Bulgarian side levelled through Ioannis Pittas just four minutes after those changes, and from that point Derry were forced onto the back foot. The statistics told the story of CSKA's growing control — 56 percent possession, ten shots to Derry's six, and four on target compared to the hosts' two — though it was cruel fortune rather than clinical finishing that ultimately settled it, Barry Cotter turning the ball into his own net from a corner in the 90th minute. For Derry, the result is a damaging Europa League exit that will sting given how close they came to holding on, while CSKA Sofia advance with the kind of resilient away performance that can build momentum in European competition.
How entertaining was this match?
Mohamed Brahimi comes on for Ioannis Pittas.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Stefano SensiYellow CardStefano Sensi receives a yellow card.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Christy GroganYellow CardYellow card issued to Christy Grogan.
James Clarke is substituted off for Ellis Chapman.
Corner awarded.
Goal! The score is now 1-1.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
assist: Brandon Fleming
Goal! Ellis Chapman scores to make it 1-0.
Ángelo MartinoYellow CardYellow card shown to Angelo Martino.
On Nick Twisk, off Kevin Santos.
Corner awarded.
The first half ends with a score of 0-0.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Kick-off! The referee is Jasmin Sabotic.
Derry City face a must-win second leg at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, needing to overturn a 3–2 first-leg deficit against CSKA Sofia to keep their Europa League dream alive. With Tiernan Lynch's side enduring a difficult league run, this is a pivotal night that could define their entire season — and a raucous home crowd could prove the difference.
