Rivals primed for Sofia showdown

By Nedko Kyuchukov

The derby match between FC CSKA Sofia and PFC Levski Sofia is traditionally one of the high points of the Bulgarian season but, with both sides vying for the title this season, Saturday's encounter promises to be even more intriguing than usual.

Top two
CSKA and Levski have clearly established themselves as the top two sides in the country, CSKA having won 28 titles and Levski 23 of the 76 that have been contested. Yet Levski have dominated the domestic game in recent years, winning the last three championships in succession.

Unbeaten run
The gap between the sides appears to be closing - CSKA have not lost a competitive game under new coach Stoycho Mladenov, with a club record nine wins from nine matches in the league so far. They were, however, knocked out in the UEFA Cup first round by Blackburn Rovers FC, exiting on away goals after two draws.

Title defence
Levski have started well, too. They lie second in the title race and are still in the UEFA Cup, with SK Sturm Graz their next opponents in the second-round first leg on 31 October. But no one is thinking about that match right now, with Levski desperate to step up their title defence.

Recent record
The club from the Gueorgui Asparuhov stadium have been beaten only twice in 16 games by CSKA over the last five years. Indeed, Levski have won eleven and drawn four of those encounters, scoring 31 goals to CSKA's 13. But Mladenov's side hold a five-point lead currently and are in confident mood.

Psychological battle
The traditional psychological battle between the sides has already started. Levski managing director and former striker Nasko Sirakov said: "CSKA are a bad team with delusions of grandeur. There is no way we can lose this game."

Coach circumspect
However, Levski coach Slavoljub Muslin has been more circumspect. "Even the best teams in the world lose points, but CSKA haven't. That means that they are very strong and that we have to be careful," he said. "They are the favourites in their stadium. But even if we lose, we can win the championship."

'Great team spirit'
CSKA striker Velizar Dimitrov is unconcerned by Levski's mind games. He said: "If we increase our advantage to eight points, we will have an excellent chance to win the title. We possess great team spirit and are all expecting to increase our winning streak to ten matches."

In-form Dimitrov
Dimitrov, who was recently called up to the Bulgaria squad for the EURO 2004™ victories against Croatia and Andorra, is a key player for CSKA, having scored six league goals already this season. He will be helped in his task by young playmaker Emil Gargorov, who is also in a great form, with four goals in CSKA's last three matches. Levski will be counting on their star striker Georgi Chilikov, who has scored eleven times this term.

Last word
Former CSKA star Vladimir Manchev, who scored the winner in the last derby at the Bulgarska Armia which they won 1-0, was in no doubt who would win. "CSKA are much better than Levski now and there is no doubt that we will add another win to our record," he said. Time will tell.