CSKA Sofia secured a place in the second qualifying round of the Europa League after defeating Derry City 2-1 away in Northern Ireland. The Bulgarian side progressed with a 5-3 aggregate victory and will now face Azerbaijan’s Qarabağ in the next stage of the competition.
CSKA dominated much of the first half but failed to turn its possession into goals. The hosts took the lead shortly after the break when Ellis Chapman capitalized on a costly mistake by goalkeeper Dimitar Evtimov in the 47th minute.
The match was then halted for around 14 minutes after clashes broke out between supporters in the stands. UEFA disciplinary action is expected following the incidents. After play resumed, CSKA quickly responded, with Ioannis Pittas scoring an equalizer three minutes later by lifting the ball over Derry goalkeeper Brian Maher. The Bulgarian team completed the comeback in stoppage time when Mohamed Brahimi’s shot resulted in an own goal, securing the 2-1 win.
The match was also marked by unrest outside and inside the stadium. A police officer was injured before kick-off following clashes between rival supporters in the Bishop Street area. Chief Inspector Graham Craig said the officer required hospital treatment after violence broke out around 6:45 p.m.
