The final round of the Bulgarian First League’s second tier group delivered drama and tension, culminating in a decisive outcome for European qualification. Lokomotiv Plovdiv secured their place in the Europa League playoff by defeating city rivals Botev Plovdiv 2-1 in a fiercely contested local derby. The victory was sealed by a brace from Dutch striker Joel Zwart, who proved instrumental in the match.

Zwart’s Double Seals the Deal

Zwart opened the scoring in the 21st minute after a dangerous cross into the box. Botev’s defense and goalkeeper Daniel Naumov failed to react decisively, allowing the Dutchman to finish from close range. The home side’s joy was short-lived. A Botev goal was disallowed following a VAR check, and just 13 minutes later, Nikola Iliev equalized with a stunning free-kick that hit the crossbar before dropping into the net.

The decisive moment arrived in the 54th minute. A collective defensive error by Simeon Petrov and Antoine Conte left Zwart unmarked. The striker showed no hesitation, firing a perfect shot past the goalkeeper to restore Loko’s lead. The 2-1 victory guarantees Loko Plovdiv a spot in the Europa League playoff round, where they will await their opponent, likely either CSKA 1948 or Ludogorets Razgrad, following their late Monday night matches.

Arda’s Dramatic Victory in Varna

Simultaneously, Arda Kardzhali secured a vital 3-2 win over Chernomorets Varna in a thrilling encounter in Varna. Asen Donchev gave the hosts an early lead in the 8th minute, capitalizing on a rebound from a David Teles corner. The ball trickled to Vasil Panayotov, whose shot was blocked by Antonio Vutov but fell kindly to Donchev, who fired it into the bottom corner.

Arda mounted a rapid comeback immediately after halftime. Biresent Karagaren, a former Chernomorets player, scored twice in quick succession. He first equalized in the 50th second of the second half after a scramble in the box, finishing with his right foot. In the 53rd minute, he completed the turnaround with another low strike, despite a VAR review for a potential foul involving Wilson Samake. The goal stood.

Chernomorets refused to lie down. David Teles equalized in the 56th minute with a powerful shot from a free-kick delivery. However, Serkan Yusein restored Arda’s lead in the 72nd minute. A cross from the right was headed away by Andre Shinyashiki but fell to Yusein, who ensured the visitors kept their winning momentum alive. The result leaves Chernomorets awaiting their own playoff opponent, having fallen just short of automatic qualification.