Levski Sofia Emerge from Ticha with Commanding Win, Cementing Top Spot with Comeback Against Cherno More
VARNA, Bulgaria—In a match pulsing with implications at both ends of the Bulgarian First League table, Levski Sofia turned early adversity into a statement of ambition, coming from behind to defeat Cherno More Varna 3-1 at the Ticha Stadium. The visitors erased a first-half deficit through the clinical finishing of Mustapha Sangaré and a stoppage-time flourish from Borislav Rupanov, leaving little doubt as to their intent in this season’s title race.
Cherno More, riding a confident wave after a string of strong results, seized the early initiative. In the 22nd minute, Celso Sidney provided the home fans with hope, capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse. His right-footed finish past Levski keeper Plamen Andreev brought the partisan Varna crowd to life and seemed a fitting reward for Cherno More’s balanced, enterprising play in the game’s opening phase.
But if the first act belonged to Cherno More, the second was governed by the visitors’ resolve and Sangaré’s precision. Levski, whose recent form has been a cocktail of dogged defense and opportunistic attack, emerged from halftime with a sense of purpose. The momentum swung decisively in the 55th minute. A floated cross from the right found Sangaré in stride, and his header left Cherno More’s Ivan Dyulgerov grasping at air. Suddenly, parity—and the psychological shift that accompanied it—had arrived.
Sangaré, who has been Levski’s talisman in front of goal this season, put his stamp on proceedings just ten minutes later. Exploiting a gap in the Varna back line, he darted onto a through ball and finished coolly for his brace, pushing his side ahead 2-1. The French forward’s eighth and ninth goals of the campaign underscored his importance to Levski’s ascent and quieted a previously raucous Ticha.
Desperation crept into Cherno More’s play as the minutes ticked away. Even their recent resilience—evidenced by just one loss in their last five and a string of hard-fought results, such as a 3-1 away win at Montana and a stalemate against Septemvri Sofia—was not enough against a Levski side exuding champion’s poise. The visitors saw the remaining minutes out with seasoned composure, denying the home side any clear route back.
When the contest threatened to meander to its conclusion, Levski struck one final blow. Deep into stoppage time, Borislav Rupanov found the net, capping a swift counterattack and sending the traveling supporters into celebration. The goal was Rupanov’s first of the campaign, and perhaps a harbinger of greater squad depth as Levski’s season wears on.
Despite the disappointment, Cherno More’s 22-point tally from 11 matches keeps them squarely in the hunt for European qualification, currently ensconced in fifth place. Their campaign to date has been built on solidarity and consistency, but today’s setback exposes the fine margins that separate pretenders from contenders. Head coach Ilian Iliev will need to rekindle the spirit shown earlier in the fall to stave off the challengers pressing behind them.
For Levski Sofia, the implications are brighter still. This was no routine road victory; it was an assertion of league leadership, extending their lead at the summit to 26 points. The performance will echo not just in the standings but also in the league’s psychological narrative. Momentum, so often intangible, now wears Levski blue.
Both clubs’ recent head-to-head skirmishes have tilted in Levski’s favor, and today’s encounter only widened the gulf. That Cherno More struck first and still could not hold their advantage speaks volumes about the visitors’ maturity—a trait forged during their own string of battles through September and October, including a statement win against Beroe and a narrow escape versus Botev Plovdiv.
There were no red cards to mar the contest, but tension simmered throughout, particularly as Cherno More pressed for an equalizer late on. Levski’s discipline under duress will please head coach Nikolay Kostov as much as Sangaré’s goals.
Looking forward, Levski Sofia’s challenge is now twofold: to sustain their lead under the pressure of expectation, and to transform autumn momentum into spring glory. For Cherno More, the pathway is less certain but still promising. The chase for a top-four berth remains open, but today’s defeat is a reminder: margins at the sharp end of Bulgarian football are unforgiving, and every slip is met with swift punishment. Both sides will return to the grindstone, aware that in a season where storylines are still being written, today’s chapter may prove pivotal.