On May 16, 2026, at 19:00, Botev (Plovdiv) and Black Sea will face off in a match from the 35th round of the efbet League.

The match holds little significance for the home team, Botev, which has lost its chance to secure a fifth or sixth league position, ensuring a European playoff spot. Three consecutive losses against the teams in the top four have dashed their hopes.

The team’s poor form has been exacerbated by the absence of captain Todor Nedelchev due to a severe injury and the departure of Nicolai Minchev, who declined to renew his contract with the club. On the eve of the match, it was revealed that club owner Ilian Filipov had met with Stanislav Genchev at the Komatevo training base, indicating that Plovdiv is seeking a new coach.

Despite this, current coach Luzhary Baltanov will undoubtedly aim to finish the season on a high note, which includes victories over Black Sea and Lokomotiv (Plovdiv).

On the other hand, Ilian Iliev’s Black Sea team is thriving. They have remained unbeaten in the second quartet, achieving three wins and a draw, placing them fifth with a European playoff spot. If they win against Botev and Lokomotiv (Plovdiv) fails to secure all three points against Arda, Black Sea will guarantee their European qualification.

However, a victory for Botev over Black Sea would severely impact their city rivals, Lokomotiv, in their bid for a European spot.