Levski Sofia vs CSKA Sofia - Super Cup

The Super Cup returns to the home ground on September 9, 2026, where Levski Sofia and CSKA Sofia will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Real have been keen to sign the Spain captain from Manchester City, but they now face competition from Barcelona for the 30-year-old, who has a year remaining on his contract at the Etihad.

Form and standings can only tell part of the story when Levski Sofia and CSKA Sofia cross paths in the Super Cup, and pride alone should guarantee a contest. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Carrick has experimented with Noussair Mazraoui in that position but he seems to have fallen down the pecking order, as the less experienced Patrick Dorgu was preferred for the Manchester derby loss.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Levski Sofia favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while CSKA Sofia are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. Few of Bouaddi's age possess such a rare blend of physicality off the ball, and poise and balance in possession.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Johan Manzambi has scored his first goal for Aston Villa to give them a 1-0 lead over Tottenham right at the end of the first half.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. Whatever the outcome, the Super Cup fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.