CSKA-Sofia Football Formation
Starting Lineup
Gustavo Busatto · Lumbardh Dellova · Adrián Lapeña · Teodor Ivanov · Sainey Sanyang · Pastor · James Eto'o · Bruno Jordão · David Seger · Ioannis Pittas · Leandro GodoyCSKA-Sofia prioritizes a heavy high press and rapid transitions using a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup seeks to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly before the opposition can settle. The team relies on intense energy to squeeze the space and force mistakes in the middle third.
Gustavo Busatto acts as the goalkeeper, acting as a sweeper behind a high line to cover long balls. The back three consists of Teodor Ivanov, Adrián Lapeña, and Lumbardh Dellova. Teodor Ivanov operates as the right centre-back to cover the flank, while Adrián Lapeña sits in the middle to win the header and command the area. Lumbardh Dellova plays as the left centre-back to provide balance. This unit functions as a compact block when defending, with the centre-backs stepping up to catch attackers offside.
The midfield is a busy area built around a three-man midfield with a carrier and two advanced players. James Eto'o occupies the central role to connect the defensive and attacking lines, while Sainey Sanyang and Pastor operate as the central engines to win the second ball and press aggressively. Bruno Jordão and David Seger push forward as the attacking midfielders, often occupying the half-spaces to link with the strikers. This group works to compress the midfield and prevent opponents from playing through the lines.
CSKA-Sofia uses two forwards in a partnership to lead the line. Ioannis Pittas and Leandro Godoy work together to pin the last defender and create chaos. Ioannis Pittas acts as a mobile striker who looks to run in behind, while Leandro Godoy works to hold up the ball and lay it off to the incoming runners. The attacking unit is designed to create runs in behind and use the movement of Bruno Jordão and David Seger to overwhelm the backline during transitions.
One major strength of this CSKA-Sofia formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to build from the back. The team also benefits from numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch when the wide midfielders tuck in. This allows them to win the ball back quickly and launch immediate attacks.
The 3-5-2 formation provides a heavy offensive presence through the central channels. It is best suited for games against teams that play a slow build up and struggle to handle intense pressure.