Overview
- CSKA Sofia won the tie 5-3 on aggregate after a 2-1 victory at the Brandywell, sending Derry City into the UEFA Conference League where they will face Rijeka.
- The second-leg was stopped for roughly 14–15 minutes when a section of visiting supporters tried to force into the home Southend Park stand and threw missiles, prompting many fans, including children, to flee onto the pitch for safety.
- Ellis Chapman levelled the aggregate early in the second half, Ioannis Pittas put CSKA back ahead late in the match, and an added-time own goal by Barry Cotter sealed CSKA’s progression.
- UEFA has charged both clubs with multiple breaches — Derry for pitch invasion, throwing objects and insufficient protection and CSKA for throwing objects, stadium damage and alleged discriminatory behaviour — and disciplinary decisions are expected in the coming days.
- Local figures and Derry staff condemned the violence, manager Tiernan Lynch said he feared for his son’s safety, and officials face questions about routine policing and stadium measures given the PSNI intervention during the game.