First League
Spartak Varna lost 0-1 to Septemvri Sofia at home in Stadion Spartak in the 5th week of the First League. André Liberal scored the match's only goal in the 61st minute, with the assist coming from Yoan Baurenski. The first half ended goalless. Stanimir Trenchev was the match referee.
Key moments of the match
In a match with plenty of cards, the first caution came in the 20th minute to Kubrat Onasci of Septemvri Sofia. In the 33rd minute, André Liberal from the same team received a yellow card, and then in the 39th minute Spartak Varna's Angel Granchov was cautioned. After the first half ended goalless, Septemvri Sofia increased the pressure in the second half and took the lead in the 61st minute with Liberal's goal. On the home side, David Valverde received a yellow card in the 74th minute, and in stoppage time Sebastian Wade of the visiting team received the final card of the match.
Statistics and pressure analysis
Ball possession was split 50-50 between the two teams, but the shooting statistics favored Spartak Varna: the home side took 6 shots total while Septemvri Sofia managed with 3 shots. In shots on target, both teams were equal with 2 each. Spartak Varna dominated in corners with a 6-2 advantage, but the difference in fouls was striking; Septemvri Sofia committed 24 fouls while Spartak Varna played with only 9. The number of dangerous attacks was also slightly higher for the visitors (58-52). According to the pressure index summary, Spartak Varna controlled the ball more throughout the match, with the home side's pressure share at 61%, peaking at the 61st minute. Notably, the home side conceded when they were most dominant; although Septemvri Sofia experienced their pressure peak in the 27th minute, they struck at the moment when the home side was most effective.
Outstanding players
- André Liberal (Septemvri Sofia) - Reached the match's highest rating (6.83) with his goal.
- Yoan Baurenski (Septemvri Sofia) - Provided the assist for the goal and earned 6.61 points.
- Boubacar Hanne (Spartak Varna) - The home side's highest-rated player, standing out with 6.5 despite the defeat.
Impact on standings
The result left Spartak Varna in 5th place with 7 points, with the home side's last five matches showing a form of DWWLL. Septemvri Sofia rose to 4 points and took 9th place with this victory; the visiting team's form was updated to DLLLW, meaning after consecutive negative results in the league, they ended the streak with a win in this match. Looking at mutual statistics, the fact that Septemvri Sofia had lost their last three league matches shows how particularly valuable this victory was for the visitors.