Published>Sat, Apr 17 10 02:10 AM
A quick glance at the history books suggests Sunday's showdown between leaders Litex Lovech and second-placed Lokomotiv Sofia can direct the Bulgarian league title to an unusual address.
The two most popular clubs in the Balkan country -- CSKA Sofia and city rivals Levski -- have almost monopolised the trophy by winning nine titles between them in the last decade and 52 in total since CSKA's foundation in 1948.
Litex top the standings with 55 points, followed by Lokomotiv on 51 with six games remaining. CSKA are third on 47 while fourth-placed Levski are almost out of the race on 43.
A win on Sunday will give Litex one hand on the trophy.
Based in Lovech -- a town with population of just over 40,000 -- Litex had to wait for 77 years for their first league title, in 1998, and then followed up again in 1999.
"The Lokomotiv match will not be the final for us," said Litex coach Angel Chervenkov. "We have to remain cool and not be distracted."
"We know that if we win, we'll have a comfortable seven-point lead but we have to approach the game very seriously."
The atmosphere in Lovech is buzzing as the locals have no doubt it is a perfect chance for Litex to upset the traditional balance of power.
"We know we come from a small town but who cares since we have the best team this season," Litex fan Zdravko Kovachev told Reuters. "I just can't see us failing against Loko on Sunday."
But Lokomotiv are ready to give Litex a run for their money as they still hope to win their first title since 1978.
The Railwaymen wanted a foreign referee but Litex objected and the Bulgarian Football Union appointed Nikolay Yordanov to take charge of the game.
"We have a very good referees and I can't see the point of inviting a foreigner," said Litex president Trifon Popov.
Source: Web Search
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