​Derry City must overturn a one-goal deficit after CSKA Sofia defeated them 3-2 in Sofia in the first leg of the Europa League first qualifying round. The Candystripes faced a tall order as Ioannis Pittas gave the Bulgarian side the lead in stylish fashion, and Liam Boyce levelled proceedings for Derry in the 31st minute, sparking a dramatic response from the visitors. Bruno Jordao’s goal on 53 minutes restored CSKA Sofia’s advantage, and Pittas added a second later on to stretch the home side’s lead. In a tense closing period, Derry pressed for a lift, and James Olayinka reduced the arrears with one minute remaining to keep the tie alive ahead of the return leg at the Brandywell on July 16.
From the opening whistle, CSKA Sofia dominated the atmosphere inside a raucous stadium in Sofia, testing Derry goalkeeper Brian Maher with a series of early questions. Pittas and Petko Panayotov were particularly close to breaking the deadlock as the home side sought a fast start. Their persistence paid off on 20 minutes when Pittas curled a magnificent effort into the top corner, providing a stunning reminder of the attacking intent that had been built up in the stands.
Derry City, though, did not allow the goal to derail their resolve. Eleven minutes after Pittas’ strike, Liam Boyce found space and buried Michael Duffy’s free-kick, equalising for the visitors and injecting momentum into the tie. The mood shifted as CSKA Sofia responded with a swift, calculated move that culminated in a powerful finish for Jordao. Stefano Sensi released the ball to Jordao at the edge of the box, and the midfielder’s assist set up the rising forward to fire past a stranded Maher and restore the home side’s lead.
After the restart, Pittas and a teammate combined to great effect, catching Derry off balance and allowing Pittas to convert for his second of the evening, extending CSKA Sofia’s advantage and amplifying the home crowd’s belief. Derry’s response came through their new signing Nick Twisk, who made an immediate impact after being introduced. He claimed possession, passed to Michael Duffy, and a clever flick-on from Boyce was finished by the striker, though the goal was controversially ruled out because Twisk had strayed offside in the buildup.
Twisk continued to influence the game at the other end as well, denying Stefano Sensi from adding a third for CSKA Sofia with a timely intervention. The home side pressed for a more comfortable cushion, with Patrick McClean diverting another attempt from Sensi and Jordao firing wide as the clock ticked on. In the frantic final ten minutes, Derry pushed forward with urgency, but neither James McClean nor James Olayinka could direct their efforts on target.
Yet the drama was not finished. CSKA Sofia were unable to clear a Derry corner, and Olayinka rose highest to head home, ensuring the visitors head back to the Brandywell with a real chance in the second leg. The result leaves Tiernan Lynch’s side with a tall order, but the aggregate narrative remains firmly in their hands as they prepare for the return leg in Derry on July 16. The match in Sofia showcased a tale of momentum swings, individual quality, and late drama, setting the stage for a dramatic Europa League qualifier at the Brandywell as Derry City chase an unlikely continental upset.