Five days after CSKA secured a 1-0 victory over CSKA 1948, the two teams meet again in a crucial match of the 34th round of the efbet League, which will determine the medal standings and European qualification spots. The match between the two "red" teams takes place today at 17:45 on the Vasili Levski Stadium.

While CSKA has been performing exceptionally well against CSKA 1948 in Bistrica, the outcomes have been more uncertain when the matches are held in Sofia. There, the matches are more contested and often result in surprises.

CSKA will be without five key players today due to suspensions. Three of them — James Etoo, Leandro Godoy, and Leandro Pereira — received sanctions in Bistrica to clear themselves of yellow cards and avoid being suspended for the upcoming May 20 Cup final against Lokomotiv (Plovdiv). Angelo Martino and Bruno Jordao are also out for the same reason, having been suspended for two matches each after receiving yellow cards in the Cup rematch against Ludogorets.

Despite these challenges, Hristo Yanev’s team cannot afford to overlook this match, as it is crucial for securing the second position and the fight for European spots.

Currently, both teams are tied with 62 points, occupying third and fourth place, trailing the second-placed Ludogorets by one point.

CSKA 1948 has no significant squad issues and will field a near-full team, barring the injured Bernardo Coelho. The team of Alexander Alexandrov started the championship group strongly after a successful away win against the former champion Ludogorets, but then suffered painful 0-1 losses to Levski and CSKA.

Today’s match is therefore of immense importance for CSKA 1948 in their pursuit of a European spot. A potential loss would likely rob them of the silver medals, and under certain circumstances, even the conference league playoff. Success, on the other hand, would not only boost their morale but also significantly increase their chances for European qualification.