Botev Plovdiv — Levski Sofia : Match Preview and Prediction for September 30,2025

Team Chaos and Managerial Turmoil

Complete chaos reigns within the host team. Head coach Nikolay Kirov was dismissed immediately after their defeat to CSKA 1948. The team is currently under the interim leadership of Ivan Tsvetanov, the academy director, who has been appointed for a single match before a new specialist takes over. This situation highlights the complete disarray and instability plaguing the club.

Squad Instability and Key Injuries

Adding to the personnel turmoil are significant squad problems. The club has just signed its 18th newcomer of the summer, Brazilian Lucas Araújo, which suggests a lack of cohesion and a fragmented selection strategy. Even worse, key defensive players are out: Gabriel Noga with a broken jaw and Simeon Petrov with a calf muscle injury.

Dismal Home Performance

The “Canaries'” home statistics are deeply troubling. The team has lost 5 of their last 6 matches on home turf. Their league performance metrics further confirm this dire state: Botev leads the league in home losses, has scored the fewest goals, and conceded the most goals at their own stadium.

Levski Sofia: Title Contenders

The capital club operates on an entirely different plane. Levski is among the top three in the league and is a strong contender for the title. Their recent defeat to Lokomotiv Plovdiv was their first in the current league campaign, seen merely as an unfortunate slip-up rather than a systemic failure.

Managerial Stability and Squad Strength

After that match, coach Julio Velázquez took full responsibility, noting that the team had analyzed its mistakes and was ready to move forward. There is no panic, only a professional approach. Unlike their opponents, Levski has no significant squad issues, apart from a minor injury to Fabien, allowing the coach to field an optimal lineup.

Strong Away Support

The capital club will enjoy substantial support even away from home. Levski fans have purchased more tickets than the home supporters. The Plovdiv club allocated the maximum quota of 2000 tickets to away fans, meaning Botev can hardly claim a significant home advantage.

Dominant Season Statistics

Levski’s statistics this season speak for themselves. The team ranks second in the league for wins, fewest losses, and fewest goals conceded. Their attacking metrics are also top-tier: third in goals scored, and leading in shots and corners.