Levski Sofia II vs Rilski Sportist Match Recap - Oct 24, 2025

Rilski Sportist Rally to Secure Vital 2-1 Victory Over Levski Sofia II on the Road

In a closely contested fixture at Georgi Asparuhov auxiliary ground, Rilski Sportist overcame Levski Sofia II with a 2-1 victory, a result that not only solidifies their position atop the Third League - Southwest standings but also reflects the stark contrast in form between the two sides. My pre-match prediction painted a picture of Levski as potential spoilers, yet it appears my confidence was misplaced; the hosts, burdened by recent struggles, couldn't quite muster the resilience needed to upset the table-toppers.

Rilski Sportist started the match with a swagger befitting their league-leading status, following last week's unexpected defeat. The visitors quickly set the tone, showcasing their tactical prowess with disciplined play and calculated aggression. This approach bore fruit when Alexander Zlatev opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark, striking with precision to send Rilski into the break with a lead they aimed to preserve.

Levski Sofia II, who entered the match with a record of just one win in the last five outings, struggled to find any rhythm early on and found themselves down 1-0 after 27 minutes. The home side's attempts to respond were met with a sturdy Rilski defense that seemed to anticipate and neutralize the threats with ease.

The second half saw a resurgence from Levski, spurred on by the urgency of their situation. Just ten minutes after the restart, Dimo Dimitrov managed to equalize, evoking hope in the stands and injecting life into the young squad. Dimitrov's goal was a moment of collective relief for a team that has been grappling with poor form, a chance to inject some much-needed belief into their season.

However, the joy was short-lived. Rilski's resolve was tested, but they ultimately found their footing once more. Mihail Petrov restored their advantage just ten minutes later, showcasing the experience and resilience that has characterized their campaign thus far. With Petrov's goal, Rilski once again asserted their dominance in a match that would ultimately see them through to a vital three points.

As the clock wound down, the home side pushed desperately for a second equalizer, but their efforts were thwarted by a well-organized Rilski backline. The match concluded with Levski on the back foot, a reality that adds to their frustrations as they remain in eighth place with a precarious total of 18 points.

For Rilski Sportist, the victory underscores their status as serious contenders for promotion, now sitting confidently at the top of the table with 30 points. The capacity to rebound after a setback and secure an away win against competitive opposition further establishes their credentials.

Looking forward, Rilski appears poised to maintain their momentum, but for Levski Sofia II, this match is more than just a loss; it's a reminder of the uphill battle they face in reclaiming their former stature. With the pressure to convert potential into results building, every upcoming match will now carry the weight of expectation for a squad still searching for its identity and confidence in a season fraught with challenges.