SOFIA (Interstat) — Barney Stewart scored once and set up another goal as Scotland U21 defeated Bulgaria U21 2-0 on Tuesday in a competition match. Scotland U21 moved to 1-0 in the competition and 1-0 across all competitions. Bulgaria U21 dropped to 0-1 in the competition and 0-1 across all competitions. The visitors scored in each half, with Stewart opening the scoring in the 32nd minute and Bobby Wales adding a second goal in the first minute of stoppage time.

Stewart’s first-half goal came after sustained pressure from Scotland U21. Andrew Tod provided the assist, finding Stewart for the breakthrough. The goal gave Scotland U21 a lead it protected through a chippy second half. Tod finished with an assist and was substituted in the 85th minute. Stewart also contributed an assist on Scotland U21’s second goal, linking with Wales in stoppage time. Wales, who played 15 minutes, made the most of his opportunity by scoring the clinching goal.

Bulgaria U21 struggled to generate a response after conceding early. The home side made two changes at halftime, bringing on Vidolov and Lazarov. It made two more changes in the 70th minute, with Stoyanov and Kazaldzhiev entering. Georgiev came on in the 89th minute. Despite those adjustments, Bulgaria U21 could not find a goal. Scotland U21’s Wilson was substituted in the 75th minute, Tod came off in the 85th and Wales was substituted in the fourth minute of stoppage time after his goal. Scotland U21’s two-goal margin reflected its efficiency in the final third.

The match grew increasingly physical. Scotland U21’s Carr was booked in the 66th minute. Stewart received a yellow card in the 80th minute. Bulgaria U21’s Shishkov was sent off in the 82nd minute, leaving the home side with 10 players. Scotland U21’s Cleall-Harding was cautioned in the 83rd minute. Bulgaria U21’s Bozhinov was booked in the 84th minute. In stoppage time, Bulgaria U21’s Kaymakanov and Scotland U21’s Frame both received yellow cards in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Scotland U21 managed the closing stages well after Shishkov’s red card. The visitors kept possession and limited Bulgaria U21’s chances. Wales’s late goal put the result beyond doubt. The win gave Scotland U21 a positive start in the competition and across all competitions. Bulgaria U21, meanwhile, remained without a win in either category after the opening match. The result gave Scotland U21 a clean sheet to go with its two goals.

Stewart’s performance stood out for Scotland U21. He scored the opening goal, assisted the second and was shown a yellow card. Tod’s assist helped set up the first goal before he was replaced. Wales needed only 15 minutes to score, delivering the final blow in stoppage time. Scotland U21’s defense and midfield protected the clean sheet, while Bulgaria U21’s discipline problems hurt its attempt to rally. The red card forced Bulgaria U21 to chase the game with a player fewer, and Scotland U21 took advantage.

Bulgaria U21 had entered as the home side but could not turn that into attacking pressure. Its halftime and second-half substitutions were designed to spark the team, yet Scotland U21’s back line held firm. The caution to Carr, Stewart, Cleall-Harding and Frame showed the match’s competitive edge, while Bulgaria U21’s Bozhinov, Kaymakanov and Shishkov also found trouble with the referee. Shishkov’s dismissal in the 82nd minute was the game’s turning point, opening space for Scotland U21 to secure the result. Bulgaria U21 was left to rue the red card and its inability to score.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Bulgaria U21 1, Scotland U21 0. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Bulgaria U21 with a 65.3 percent probability to win.