2026/27 · UEFA Europa League
Derry City Europa League results and the CSKA tie
Derry City's Europa League season was a July first-round tie against CSKA Sofia. Look back at two scoring matches and the aggregate margin, with domestic League of Ireland dates kept separate.
Season results
Last 5 Europa League matches, including qualifying. Latest first; shootouts excluded from W/D/L.
Ireland · 2 fixtures
Fixtures & results
Thu, 16 Jul 2026
Thu, 9 Jul 2026
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Derry's two matches against CSKA Sofia
Derry lost 3–2 away to CSKA Sofia on 9 July and 2–1 at home on 16 July. The Candystripes scored in both legs, but CSKA's five goals across the tie outweighed Derry's three.
Olayinka's goal kept the Brandywell return within reach
Derry came home from the first leg 3–2 behind. In the club's return-leg preview, James Olayinka's late goal was the reason the gap remained only one, leaving a realistic comeback opportunity at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
That was the position before kick-off, rather than the final outcome. CSKA subsequently won the return 2–1 and the tie 5–3. Reading the first-leg context alongside both final scores explains why supporters approached the home evening with hope, even though the Europa League run ended there.
Earlier European rounds in Derry's record
UEFA's archive records Derry reaching the third qualifying round in 2009/10 and the second qualifying round in 2014/15. The 2006/07 UEFA Cup entry reached the first round, a label from the older competition structure.
Derry City: fan questions
Did Derry score against CSKA Sofia?
Yes, in both matches: two goals away and one at home, for three across the tie.
Why was Olayinka's first-leg goal significant for Derry?
His late goal reduced the first-leg deficit to 3–2, so Derry began the Brandywell return only one goal behind in the tie.
Scores and lineups are not live. Kick-off times and viewing arrangements can change. Check your match before making plans.