Introduction
In the vibrant world of Bulgarian football, OFK Lokomotiv Mezdra and Botev Vratsa stand as two teams with rich histories and passionate supporters. Although not among the country’s elite clubs, their matches brim with local pride and intensity.
This article dives into the OFK Lokomotiv Mezdra vs Botev Vratsa stats, offering a detailed look at their head-to-head record, team profiles, and recent performances. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or a curious statistician, this analysis provides a comprehensive view of their rivalry.
Founded in 1945, OFK Lokomotiv Mezdra, nicknamed “The Irons from Mezdra,” has navigated a turbulent history. The club enjoyed a brief stint in Bulgaria’s top flight from 2008 to 2010 but faced financial collapse in 2012. Refounded in 2016, it now competes in the North-West Third League, the fourth tier of Bulgarian football.
Conversely, Botev Vratsa, established in 1921, boasts a more storied past, with 26 consecutive seasons in the top division from 1964 to 1990. As of the 2024–25 season, Botev Vratsa remains in the First League, ranked 14th. Despite their differing league statuses, their encounters are fiercely competitive, making their stats a compelling study.
Head-to-Head Statistics
Historical data indicates that OFK Lokomotiv Mezdra and Botev Vratsa have met four times since 2011. Lokomotiv Mezdra has won three of these matches, while Botev Vratsa claimed one victory. No draws have occurred, highlighting the decisive nature of their clashes. The total goals scored stand at 7 for Lokomotiv Mezdra and 1 for Botev Vratsa, suggesting a historical dominance by the Mezdra side.
Below is a summary of their known encounters:
| Date | Competition | Result | Goals Scored (Lokomotiv Mezdra – Botev Vratsa) |
| 2011/07/25 | Unknown | Unknown (Lokomotiv win) | Unknown |
| 2014/10/03 | Unknown | Unknown (Lokomotiv win) | Unknown |
| 2015/04/22 | Second League | Lokomotiv Mezdra 2-0 | 2-0 |
| 2015/07/15 | Friendly | Unknown (Botev Vratsa win) | Unknown |
| 2024/12/13 | Bulgarian Cup | Botev Vratsa 1-0 | 0-1 |
On April 22, 2015, Lokomotiv Mezdra secured a 2-0 victory in the Second League, showcasing their strength at the time. However, on December 13, 2024, Botev Vratsa triumphed 1-0 in the Bulgarian Cup, with M. Smolenski scoring in the 55th minute.
This win marked a shift, ending Lokomotiv Mezdra’s three-match winning streak in their head-to-head history. Limited data on earlier matches restricts a full breakdown, but the available stats paint a picture of a competitive rivalry.
Team Profiles
OFK Lokomotiv Mezdra
History
Established in 1945 as the Iron Sport Club, OFK Lokomotiv Mezdra earned its nickname due to Mezdra’s railroad heritage. The club competed primarily in Bulgaria’s second and third tiers until 2008, when it achieved a historic promotion to the A Group (now First League).
After two seasons, financial difficulties led to relegation and dissolution in 2012. Refounded in 2016, the club now plays in the North-West Third League at Lokomotiv Stadium, which holds 5,000 spectators. Their best Bulgarian Cup performance was a quarter-final in 1945–46.
Current Season Performance
In the 2024–25 North-West Third League, OFK Lokomotiv Mezdra holds 4th place with 19 points from 12 matches (5 wins, 4 draws, 3 losses). They have scored 17 goals and conceded 12, resulting in a +5 goal difference. Their latest match was a 1-2 defeat against Kom-Minyor Berkovitsa. Despite their lower-tier status, Lokomotiv Mezdra remains competitive, aiming for promotion.
Key Players
Detailed player statistics for OFK Lokomotiv Mezdra are scarce, but the team blends young prospects with seasoned players. Recent signings include M. Panov and P. Petrov from Botev Vratsa, indicating a strategy to bolster their squad with experienced talent. The club’s focus on grassroots development reflects its commitment to rebuilding.
Botev Vratsa
History
Founded on April 21, 1921, Botev Vratsa has a proud legacy in Bulgarian football. From 1964 to 1990, the club was a mainstay in the top division, achieving a third-place finish in 1970–71, which earned them a UEFA Cup berth.
They lost 2–8 on aggregate to Dinamo Zagreb but drew 35,000 fans for the home leg. Botev Vratsa has reached the Bulgarian Cup semi-finals three times (1960–61, 1974–75, 1984–85).
After periods in lower divisions, they returned to the First League in 2018. Their home ground, Stadion Hristo Botev, has a capacity of 25,000, with 8,935 seated.
Current Season Performance
In the 2024–25 First League, Botev Vratsa has struggled, sitting 14th with 9 points from 15 matches (2 wins, 3 draws, 10 losses). They have scored 12 goals and conceded 32, resulting in a -20 goal difference. Their recent 2-1 victory over Slavia Sofia, with goals from Ivanov Papazov and Traore, offers hope for improvement.
Key Players
Botev Vratsa’s squad features Ivanov Papazov, the top scorer with 5 goals, and Traore with 2 goals. Managed by Hristo Yanev and chaired by Hristo Iliev, the team includes players from diverse backgrounds, including Morocco, Kosovo, and Senegal. Historically, Martin Petrov, a Bulgarian football legend, emerged from their ranks.
Analysis of Recent Matches
The latest clash between OFK Lokomotiv Mezdra and Botev Vratsa occurred on December 13, 2024, in the Bulgarian Cup’s Round of 16. Botev Vratsa secured a 1-0 victory, with M. Smolenski’s 55th-minute goal proving decisive.
The match was tightly contested, with both teams creating opportunities, but Botev Vratsa’s defense stood firm. This result marked a significant shift, as Lokomotiv Mezdra had won the previous three encounters since 2011.
Historically, Lokomotiv Mezdra’s dominance is evident, with a 2-0 win in 2015 highlighting their ability to outperform Botev Vratsa, even when both were in the Second League. The 2024 cup match
However, reflects Botev Vratsa’s current superiority, likely due to their top-tier status and stronger squad depth. Despite the league gap, Lokomotiv Mezdra’s competitive showing suggests they can challenge higher-division teams in cup competitions.
Significance of the Rivalry
The OFK Lokomotiv Mezdra vs Botev Vratsa stats reveal a rivalry rooted in regional pride and competitive spirit. Although Botev Vratsa plays in the First League and Lokomotiv Mezdra in the Third League, their cup encounters level the playing field, allowing for potential upsets.
These matches showcase the depth of Bulgarian football, where smaller clubs like Lokomotiv Mezdra can test themselves against established teams. For fans, these games are a source of excitement and local bragging rights.
Venue Insights
Lokomotiv Mezdra plays at Lokomotiv Stadium, a 5,000-capacity venue that embodies the club’s community spirit. Botev Vratsa’s Stadion Hristo Botev, with its 25,000 capacity (8,935 seated), is a historic ground that has hosted memorable matches, including their 1971 UEFA Cup game. These venues add atmosphere to their clashes, enhancing the rivalry’s intensity.
FAQs
- How many times have OFK Lokomotiv Mezdra and Botev Vratsa played against each other?
They have played 4 matches since 2011, with Lokomotiv Mezdra winning 3 and Botev Vratsa winning 1. - What was the result of their most recent match?
Botev Vratsa won 1-0 on December 13, 2024, in the Bulgarian Cup. - In which leagues do OFK Lokomotiv Mezdra and Botev Vratsa currently play?
Lokomotiv Mezdra competes in the North-West Third League (fourth tier), while Botev Vratsa is in the First League (top tier). - Who are some key players for Botev Vratsa?
Ivanov Papazov (5 goals) and Traore (2 goals) are standout performers this season. - Has OFK Lokomotiv Mezdra ever played in the top flight?
Yes, they competed in the A Group from 2008 to 2010. - What is the capacity of Lokomotiv Mezdra’s stadium?
Lokomotiv Stadium holds 5,000 spectators. - When was the last time OFK Lokomotiv Mezdra played in the top flight?
Their last top-flight season was 2009–10. - How many times has Botev Vratsa won the Bulgarian Cup?
Botev Vratsa has never won the Bulgarian Cup, reaching the semi-finals three times (1960–61, 1974–75, 1984–85). - Who is the all-time top scorer for Botev Vratsa?
Georgi Kamenov holds the record with 150 league goals.
Conclusion
The OFK Lokomotiv Mezdra vs Botev Vratsa stats offer a glimpse into a compelling Bulgarian football rivalry. While Lokomotiv Mezdra has historically dominated with three wins since 2011, Botev Vratsa’s 2024 cup victory underscores their current edge.
These matches, fueled by regional pride, highlight the competitive nature of Bulgarian football across all levels. As both teams evolve, their future encounters promise more thrilling moments. For fans and analysts, exploring these stats provides valuable insights into the sport’s rich culture in Bulgaria.
