Match report

Bulgaria Defeats Georgia 2–1 in World Cup Qualification

Bulgaria
Bulgaria
2–1
FT
Georgia
Georgia
Nov 18, 2025

Bulgaria stunned Georgia with a strong opening to secure a 2–1 victory in their World Cup Qualification match. Goals from G. Rusev and F. Krastev gave Bulgaria a commanding lead before Luka Lochoshvili's late consolation goal for Georgia. Bulgaria's performance was marked by solid teamwork and key contributions from Z. Dimitrov, who provided two assists.

Key Facts

  • • Final Score: Bulgaria 2–1 Georgia
  • • G. Rusev scored at the 10th minute, assisted by Z. Dimitrov
  • • F. Krastev scored at the 24th minute, also assisted by Z. Dimitrov
  • • Luka Lochoshvili scored for Georgia at the 88th minute, assisted by G. Kvilitaia
  • • Z. Dimitrov provided two assists and was substituted at the 59th minute
  • • Dimitar Mitov received a yellow card for time-wasting at the 84th minute

Lineups

Bulgaria

Starting XI

  • 1 D. Mitov (G)
  • 20 M. Georgiev (D)
  • 5 K. Dimitrov (D)
  • 15 S. Velkov (D)
  • 2 H. Petrov (D)
  • 7 G. Rusev (M)
  • 22 K. Stoyanov (M)
  • 4 I. Gruev (M)
  • 14 F. Krastev (M)
  • 10 Z. Dimitrov (M)
  • 11 K. Despodov (F)

Substitutes

  • 12 A. Bozhev
  • 21 D. Evtimov
  • 3 A. Chernev
  • 6 V. Popov
  • 8 A. Kraev
  • 9 V. Nikolov
  • 13 R. Bozhinov
  • 16 M. Petkov
  • 17 M. Minchev
  • 18 I. Chochev
  • 19 I. Yordanov
  • 23 S. Shopov

Georgia

Formation: 4-3-3

Starting XI

  • 1 G. Mamardashvili (G)
  • 13 G. Gocholeishvili (D)
  • 4 G. Kashia (D)
  • 14 L. Lochoshvili (D)
  • 19 G. Tsitaishvili (D)
  • 15 A. Mekvabishvili (M)
  • 6 G. Kochorashvili (M)
  • 17 O. Kiteishvili (M)
  • 10 Z. Davitashvili (F)
  • 8 B. Zivzivadze (F)
  • 7 K. Kvaratskhelia (F)

Substitutes

  • 12 D. Kereselidze
  • 23 L. Gugeshashvili
  • 2 V. Mamuchashvili
  • 3 A. Narimanidze
  • 5 I. Beriashvili
  • 9 G. Guliashvili
  • 11 G. Kvilitaia
  • 16 N. Lominadze
  • 18 G. Abuashvili
  • 20 S. Nonikashvili
  • 21 G. Kvernadze
  • 22 I. Tabatadze

Timeline

  1. Bulgaria
    10' Bulgaria Goal · Normal Goal
    G. Rusev · Assist: Z. Dimitrov
  2. Bulgaria
    24' Bulgaria Goal · Normal Goal
    F. Krastev · Assist: Z. Dimitrov
  3. Georgia
    30' Georgia Card · Yellow Card
    O. Kiteishvili

    Foul

  4. Georgia
    31' Georgia subst · Substitution 1
    Off: A. Mekvabishvili · On: G. Kvilitaia
  5. Georgia
    45'+1 Georgia Card · Yellow Card
    G. Kvilitaia

    Foul

  6. Bulgaria
    59' Bulgaria subst · Substitution 1
    Off: Z. Dimitrov · On: V. Nikolov
  7. Bulgaria
    59' Bulgaria subst · Substitution 2
    Off: K. Despodov · On: M. Petkov
  8. Bulgaria
    75' Bulgaria subst · Substitution 3
    Off: K. Stoyanov · On: S. Shopov
  9. Bulgaria
    76' Bulgaria subst · Substitution 4
    Off: G. Rusev · On: M. Minchev
  10. Georgia
    76' Georgia subst · Substitution 2
    Off: Z. Davitashvili · On: G. Guliashvili
  11. Bulgaria
    84' Bulgaria Card · Yellow Card
    Dimitar Mitov

    Time wasting

  12. Georgia
    86' Georgia subst · Substitution 3
    Off: O. Kiteishvili · On: G. Abuashvili
  13. Georgia
    88' Georgia Goal · Normal Goal
    Luka Lochoshvili · Assist: G. Kvilitaia
  14. Bulgaria
    90' Bulgaria subst · Substitution 5
    Off: F. Krastev · On: I. Chochev

Match Stats

Stat Bulgaria Georgia
Fouls 7 9
Pass Accuracy 67% 92%
Offsides — —
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 3 17
Corners 0 4
Total Passes 243 815
Yellow Cards 1 2
Blocked Shots 0 5
Shots on Target 3 3
xG 0.78 1.49
Shots off Target 0 9
Possession 23% 77%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 164 746
Shots Inside Box 2 9
Saves 2 1
Shots Outside Box 1 8

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Bulgaria's early goals by G. Rusev and F. Krastev in the first half set the tone for their victory, demonstrating strong teamwork and tactical superiority.
  • ▸ Georgia's late goal by Luka Lochoshvili at the 88th minute provided a brief moment of hope but was not enough to overturn Bulgaria's lead, showing the resilience and defensive strength of the Bulgarian team.