SOFIA, Bulgaria (Interstat) — PFK CSKA Sofia delivered a commanding performance to defeat city rival FK CSKA 1948 Sofia 2-0 on Saturday, defying pregame projections and securing a decisive victory in the opening round of the Bulgarian First League season.

The match, played before a charged atmosphere at Stadion Vitosha in Bistritsa, was settled by second-half goals from Leo Augusto Pereira and Maks Ebonh. The result immediately shifted the early dynamics in the Bulgarian capital, handing the historic PFK CSKA club a vital three points in both the league table and the local rivalry.

The first half concluded with a pivotal moment that altered the trajectory of the contest. In the first minute of stoppage time, Pereira found the net to give the visiting Reds a 1-0 lead heading into the break. The goal against the run of play provided a psychological blow to the home side, which had entered the match as a significant favorite.

According to pregame analytics from Interstat, FK CSKA 1948 held a 62.80 percent probability to win the match. The firm’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw. PFK CSKA Sofia’s performance rendered those forecasts obsolete with a display of clinical efficiency.

The visitors consolidated their lead late in the match. In the 89th minute, Maks Ebonh scored to seal the victory, ensuring the points would travel across the city. The PFK CSKA defense held firm throughout to record a clean sheet, neutralizing the home attack.

With the win, PFK CSKA Sofia begins its First League campaign with a record of 1 win and 0 losses. The club’s record across all competitions this season also stands at 1-0. For FK CSKA 1948 Sofia, the loss marks a disappointing start, with both its league and overall record now at 0 wins and 1 loss.

The fixture, a notable derby in the Bulgarian football landscape, highlighted the unpredictable nature of the domestic league’s opening weekend. The result provides PFK CSKA Sofia with early momentum as the team looks to challenge for the title this season. For FK CSKA 1948, the defeat necessitates a quick regrouping ahead of the next matchday.

The game was administered by the First League, Bulgaria’s top professional football division. No further details were immediately available.