Derry City fell 3-2 to CSKA Sofia at the Natsionalen Stadion Vasil Levski in the Europa League first qualifying round first leg. Ioannis Pittas struck twice for the Bulgarian side, including a fabulous opener, while Bruno Jardao added a superb long-range effort. Liam Boyce and James Olayinka replied for the Candystripes, giving them a lifeline heading into the return leg.

Manager Tiernan Lynch expressed frustration at the goals conceded but took encouragement from his side's second-half performance. "I thought second half we were much better... we got stronger as the game went on and it's still probably all to play for," he said. Lynch noted CSKA's technical quality and ball retention but highlighted that Derry created more chances than they converted.

The tie resumes at the Brandywell on July 16, where home advantage could prove decisive. Lynch plans early preparation, reviewing both defensive lapses and attacking positives. Derry's ability to score twice away against a side that "keeps the ball well" suggests they can overturn the deficit if they sharpen their finishing.

This result leaves Derry needing a two-goal win or a one-goal victory to force extra time. Their second-half dominance offers a template, but defensive concentration for 90 minutes will determine whether their European campaign extends beyond next Thursday.