CSKA Sofia 1-0 Derry City

Derry City's Europa League hopes hang in the balance after the Candystripes fell to a 1-0 defeat against CSKA Sofia in the Bulgarian capital.

Kostadin Stoyanov scored the only goal of the game in the 75th minute to round off a long spell of pressure by the home side that gives them a crucial advantage heading into next week's return leg.

But Stephen Kenny's men will be confident of turning the tie back in their favour at the Brandywell after a brave defensive performance prevented CSKA from doubling their advantage.

And the result was all the more welcome given Derry's poor recent run of form which had seen the club manage to win only one of their last six matches - against Skonto Riga in the previous round.