Skip to main content

Ludogorets vs CSKA Sofia | First League - Summary Preview

AI-powered game intelligence with head-to-head stats and data-driven predictions.

Ludogorets

L
D
W
L
D
L

25 May 2026

17:30 (UTC+0)

(0
-
0)

1

-

0

FT

CSKA Sofia

D
L
D
W
W
D

Global Betting Intelligence

Cross-referencing our proprietary match analytics — form, H2H, key metrics, streaks, and tactical models — with 50+ external portals, live odds, team news, and top prediction engines to deliver a single-pane-of-glass briefing built for serious bettors.

Our Match Data

Multi-Model Analysis

50+ Data Sources

Hourly Updates

Global Betting Intelligence Report

Deep analysis scanning last-minute team news, stats, and market trends — the complete report so you can make the smartest decisions.

Deep Analysis

Market Picks

Value Angles

Insider Intel

Unlock Premium

Start a free trial to unlock Game Intelligence reports, premium filters, and market tools.

Game Intelligence

Home Favored

May 25, 2026, 04:02 PM

16+ Portals

50+ Data Sources

This clash between Ludogorets and CSKA Sofia is a high-stakes encounter with both sides vying for a Conference League qualification spot, separated by just one point in the standings. Recent head-to-head results heavily favor CSKA Sofia, who secured a crucial 1-0 victory just three weeks ago.

Home Motivation

High

Ludogorets has high motivation as they are currently 3rd in the league and within the Conference League qualification zone. A win would help solidify their position and potentially move them to 2nd place.

Away Motivation

High

CSKA Sofia has high motivation as they are 4th in the league and also within the Conference League qualification zone. A victory would allow them to overtake Ludogorets and improve their standing.

Market Picks

Portal Pulse

The Evidence

Betting Edge

Key Metrics

Home

Metric

Away

1.62

xG created per game

All comps (EWMA)

1.31

Ludogorets' recent-form xG creation (1.62 per game) is significantly higher than CSKA Sofia's (1.31), indicating they produce more quality chances. This is well below the league avg of 3.00, suggesting both teams are relatively conservative.

0.82

xG difference

All comps (EWMA)

0.20

The net xG difference shows Ludogorets (0.82) has a much healthier balance of chance creation versus concession than CSKA Sofia (0.20) in recent form, suggesting underlying dominance for the home side.

0.78

Goals conceded per game

All comps (EWMA)

0.87

Ludogorets concedes fewer goals per game on a recent-form basis (0.78) compared to CSKA Sofia (0.87), implying a slightly stronger defensive unit weighted toward recent matches.

8.65

Corners won per game

All comps (EWMA)

5.92

Ludogorets forces significantly more corners (8.65 per game) than CSKA Sofia (5.92 per game) in recent form, hinting at more sustained attacking pressure and wide play.

66%

Possession %

All comps (EWMA)

59%

Ludogorets dominates possession (66%) much more heavily than CSKA Sofia (59%) in recent form, indicating they control the tempo and territory more effectively.

0.9

PPG (3/1/0)

Last 10 matches

1.6

Looking at their last 10 matches across all competitions, CSKA Sofia has a significantly better points per game average (1.6) compared to Ludogorets (0.9), showcasing stronger recent overall form.

Form & Streaks

Ludogorets have been formidable at home in the league, with a sequence of DLLDWWWDWW (5W,4D,1L in 10), indicating strong home resilience.

CSKA Sofia has shown solid form away from home in the league, with a sequence of LWWWLLWLWW (6W,0D,4L in 10), demonstrating their ability to pick up points on the road.

Ludogorets has struggled in all competitions recently, recording 2W,3D,5L in their last 10 matches, highlighting a dip in overall momentum.

Tactical Overview

Ludogorets enters this critical fixture off the back of a somewhat inconsistent run in all competitions, winning just 2 of their last 10 matches while losing 5, but their home league form is strong, with 5 wins and only 1 loss in their last 10. They show a robust recent-form xG difference of 0.82, driven by creating 1.62 xG per game and conceding a tight 0.80 xG per game. Key players like midfielder Chochev and forward Duah will be crucial for their attacking impetus, while defenders Nedyalkov and Verdon anchor the defense. On the other side, CSKA Sofia arrives with better overall momentum, securing 4 wins and only 2 losses in their last 10 matches across all competitions. Their away league record is particularly impressive, bagging 6 wins in their last 10 away trips. They recently demonstrated their tactical edge over Ludogorets, winning 1-0 in the league and 2-1 in the Cup, indicating a strong understanding of their opponent. Pittas remains their primary goal threat, supported by central figures like Ebong and the defensive solidity of Pastor and Rodríguez.

Match Context

Lineup Updates

Based on reports

Key Players

For Ludogorets, midfielder Chochev is a vital player, known for his goal-scoring ability from the midfield. Defenders Nedyalkov and Nogueira are expected to feature in the starting lineup, providing defensive stability. Midfielder Duarte is also likely to be in the lineup and will be crucial in their attacking play.

Absences

Absence information is not yet available. Check back closer to kickoff for confirmed lineups.

Home

Key Players

For Ludogorets, midfielder Chochev is a vital player, known for his goal-scoring ability from the midfield. Defenders Nedyalkov and Nogueira are expected to feature in the starting lineup, providing defensive stability. Midfielder Duarte is also likely to be in the lineup and will be crucial in their attacking play.

Absences

Absence information is not yet available. Check back closer to kickoff for confirmed lineups.

Away

Key Players

CSKA Sofia's attack will likely rely on Pittas, who has been a significant goal threat this season as a forward. Midfielder Ebong is predicted to start and is important for their central play. In defense, Pastor and Rodríguez are key figures in the backline.

Absences

Absence information is not yet available. Check back closer to kickoff for confirmed lineups.

Lineup info is never 100% confirmed until matchday. Additional players may be unavailable.

Referee Profile

S. Arsov

8 matches officiated · 2025/26

average

Cards/G

4.2

Fouls/G

21.5

Pen Rate

0.62

Very High

Referee S. Arsov averages 4.24 cards per game across 8 First League matches this season, which is an average strictness level for this competition. He also awards a notable 0.62 penalties per game, suggesting a willingness to point to the spot. This penalty rate is higher than the average, which could be a factor in such a high-stakes match, potentially influencing cards or goal-scoring markets if a foul occurs in the box.

Key Note

awards penalties at 0.62/game.

Weather & Field

Good Conditions

23C, drizzle (0.1mm)

Temperature

22.9°C

Rain Chance

25%

Wind

6 km/h

Humidity

54%

The weather conditions for this match are mild, with a temperature of 22.9°C and light drizzle (0.14mm/h). Wind speeds are low at 6 km/h. As the alert level indicates no impact, these conditions are not expected to significantly affect ball control, pitch quality, or the flow of the game, thus having no notable betting market implications.

Insider Intel

Insider Buzz

Intel Feed