Bulgaria round-up: Business as usual for Levski

It was business as usual for champions PFC Levski Sofia on Friday as they marked the return of Bulgarian Professional League football following the winter break with a 4-1 defeat of PFC Neftochimik.

New coach
There was no early rhythm to the match, Levski's first under new coach Rüdiger Abramczik, but the home side took the lead on 18 minutes when Georgi Ivanov-Gozno stroked home a penalty after Neftochimik defender Said Ibraimov was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.

Another penalty
Three minutes later, the same player made it 2-0, scoring another penalty after Hungarian striker Istvan Ferenczi was upended by by Veselin Branimirov. Neftochimik players were furious when they were denied a goal on the half-hour when the referee blew for offside after Sasa Viciknez had drilled a direct free-kick into the Levski net.

Debut goal for Ferenczi
Neftochimik striker Stanimir Valkov scored a consolation goal early in the second half but, it took Levski only another minute to score their third goal. In the 52nd minute, Ivanov-Gonzo advanced forward into the penalty area but a Neftochimik defender deflected the ball into the feet of Istvan Ferenczi. Left with a simple finish, the Levski striker scored his first goal for the club on his debut.

Impressive victory
Neftochimik captain Stanimir Dimitrov almost reduced arrears further five minutes later but he headed wide when well positioned. Levski put the seal on an impressive victory three minutes from time when Stanislav Genchev notched after goalkeeper Yordan Gospodinov failed to clear the ball from a Dimitar Telkiyski cross from the right.