CSKA-Sofia Logo

CSKA-Sofia Football Formation

Creation DateFebruary 9, 2026

Starting Lineup

Евтимов · Брахими · Мартино · Делова · Лапеня · Ебонг · Соле · Ето'О · Годой · Питас · Перейра

A high press and rapid transition identity drives this CSKA-Sofia lineup in a 5-2-3 formation. This system focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch and quickly finding the front three to exploit gaps in the opposition defense. The team looks to control the game through intense pressure and quick vertical passes.

Евтимов guards the goal while the defensive unit sits in a compact block. The back line consists of three central defenders where Ебонг sits in the middle to cover space, flanked by Делова on the right and Лапеня on the left. Брахими and Мартино act as wing backs, tasked with providing width and pushing high to overlap the wingers. The defenders must stay close together to prevent through balls and make sure they step up as a single unit to catch attackers offside.

The midfield functions as a double pivot to provide balance between the defense and the attack. Соле and Ето'О work in the center to shield the back three and intercept passes. These two midfielders must work hard to track back when out of possession and drive the ball forward during transitions. They connect the deep defenders to the attacking trio by breaking the lines with vertical passes.

CSKA-Sofia attacks with three players positioned high up the pitch. Годой leads the line as a lone striker, tasked with holding up the ball and making runs into the channels. Питас stays wide on the right to stretch the defense, while Перейра operates on the left. These wide attackers often cut inside to create space for the overlapping runs of Брахими and Мартино. The front three press the opposition defenders relentlessly to force mistakes.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through its ability to create wide overloads. When Брахими and Мартино push forward, they create two on one situations against the opposition full backs. The team also gains numerical superiority in central areas during defensive phases because of the three central defenders and two midfielders. This makes the unit very hard to break down when they sit deep.

The 5-2-3 formation provides a sturdy foundation for teams that want to press high and strike quickly on the break. It is a perfect selection for facing opponents that play with a high line and leave space behind their defenders.