Lisbon, Portugal – As the Bulgarian First League heads into its decisive stages, predictions are mounting regarding the eventual champion. Former CSKA Sofia manager Alexander Stankov has boldly forecast a familiar outcome: a Ludogorets Razgrad title win, whereas dismissing the chances of rivals Levski Sofia. Stankov too anticipates a cup victory for CSKA Sofia and a third-place finish for CSKA 1948, stirring debate amongst fans and analysts alike.
Stankov, who recently appeared as the inaugural guest on the “Sporten Taralezh” podcast, believes his assessment will provoke strong reactions within the Levski fanbase. His pronouncements come at a critical juncture in the season, with the title race appearing tighter than in recent years, though Ludogorets currently holds a comfortable lead. The former youth national team selector is confident in CSKA Sofia’s ability to secure the Bulgarian Cup, adding another layer of intrigue to the domestic football landscape.
Ludogorets Favored to Continue Dominance
Ludogorets has consistently dominated Bulgarian football over the past decade, securing eleven league titles since 2012. Their financial strength and consistent recruitment have allowed them to maintain a squad capable of challenging for both domestic and European honors. While Stankov suggests Ludogorets may have underestimated the league this year, expecting wins to come easily, their current form suggests they remain the team to beat. As of March 17, 2026, Ludogorets sits atop the First League table with 65 points after 26 matches, seven points ahead of their nearest competitor, Levski Sofia. Gol.bg reports Stankov’s belief that the Razgrad club’s experience and squad depth will ultimately prove decisive.
CSKA Sofia Aiming for Cup Glory
Despite a challenging league campaign, Stankov is firmly convinced that CSKA Sofia will lift the Bulgarian Cup. This prediction aligns with the club’s historical success in the competition, having won the cup a total of 21 times, the most of any Bulgarian team. CSKA’s recent 3-0 defeat to Ludogorets, still, highlighted the gap in quality between the two sides, as noted by Stankov in comments reported by 7dnisport.bg. He acknowledged a difference in class, stating that Ludogorets “outclassed” CSKA in every aspect of the game. Nevertheless, Stankov believes CSKA’s focus on the cup competition offers a realistic opportunity for silverware this season.
Levski Sofia’s Struggles and Managerial Questions
Stankov’s assessment of Levski Sofia’s chances is particularly critical. He questions the consistency of manager Julio Velasquez, particularly in high-stakes matches. “I can’t predict Julio Velasquez in responsible matches. In Levski and CSKA, they must be won… This represents a must,” Stankov stated, as reported by Taralej.bg. This criticism comes as Levski struggles to convert promising performances into crucial victories, hindering their title aspirations. The club’s inability to consistently win key games has become a recurring theme, fueling frustration among supporters.
The Importance of Infrastructure Development
Beyond on-field performance, Stankov emphasized the critical need for investment in football infrastructure within Bulgaria. He specifically highlighted the importance of completing the construction of the new “Bulgarian Army” stadium for CSKA Sofia. “The most important thing is to build the new ‘Bulgarian Army’ stadium, which will change a lot of the situation in the club. More fans will come to the stands. In our country, we need to turn things around, first build stadiums and bases, and then look for results on the field,” he explained. This sentiment reflects a broader concern within Bulgarian football regarding the outdated and inadequate facilities available to many clubs. Improved infrastructure is seen as essential for attracting fans, developing young players, and ultimately raising the overall standard of the game.
CSKA 1948’s Rising Challenge
Stankov’s prediction of a third-place finish for CSKA 1948 suggests a growing competitiveness within the Bulgarian First League. CSKA 1948, a relatively new club established in 2018, has quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with, challenging the traditional dominance of Ludogorets, Levski, and CSKA Sofia. Their success is attributed to a combination of astute recruitment, effective coaching, and a strong local fanbase. A third-place finish would represent a significant achievement for the club and further solidify their position as a major contender in Bulgarian football.
The Bulgarian First League season is reaching its climax, and the battle for the title, cup, and European qualification promises to be fiercely contested. While Alexander Stankov’s predictions may be met with skepticism by some, his insights offer a valuable perspective on the current state of Bulgarian football. His emphasis on the importance of infrastructure development and the need for consistency in key matches resonates with many observers of the game. The coming months will determine whether his forecasts prove accurate and whether Ludogorets can continue their reign as champions.
The next key date for Bulgarian football fans will be the semi-final draw for the Bulgarian Cup, scheduled for March 24, 2026. This draw will provide a clearer indication of CSKA Sofia’s chances of fulfilling Stankov’s prediction of lifting the trophy. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on these predictions and the state of Bulgarian football in the comments section below.