Postpublished at 21:05 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
Robbie Brady's delivery is nodded down for Finn Azaz, who can't find the target.
Summary
FT: Republic of Ireland 2-1 Bulgaria (Agg: 4-2)
Antov slots home for Bulgaria on 30 minutes to level tie
Ferguson restores Ireland's aggregate lead after 63 minutes
Idah gives hosts second-leg advantage six minutes from time
Second half delayed as injured referee is replaced
Hosts led 2-1 from Thursday's first leg in Plovdiv
Republic of Ireland stay in League B
Postpublished at 21:05 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
Postpublished at 21:04 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
The Republic of Ireland are awarded a free-kick in a good position after Finn Azaz is brought down by llia Gruev.
Postpublished at 21:03 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
Troy Parrott's pass takes a deflection and falls to Evan Ferguson, who plays the ball back for Mikey Johnston.
However, the Bulgarian defence read the situation well and clear the ball.
Postpublished at 21:01 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
After smart build-up play in midfield, Mikey Johnston latches onto the ball on the right hand side of the box.
Johnston pushes forward before sending a strike off target.
The West Brom midfielder has his head in his hands after that one as there were multiple green shirts in good positions in the box.
Image source, InphoImage caption, Bulgaria's Fabian Nuernberger is beaten to the high ball by Matt Doherty
Postpublished at 20:59 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
Nathan Collins blocks Kiril Despodov's strike and is able to clear the ball out of the box.
The Republic of Ireland lose possession again shortly after, but Bulgaria can't take advantage of the mistake.
KICK-OFFpublished at 20:55 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
The action resumes with no changes, apart from the referee, at the break.
Postpublished at 20:54 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
HT: Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
Both sets of players are back on the pitch and are warming up.
The restart is approaching now.
Postpublished at 20:52 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
HT: Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
There's an eight minute delay to the restart to give fourth official Mehmet Turkmen time to warm up as Umut Meler is unable to continue as referee.
Meler had picked up a calf injury during the first half.
Postpublished at 20:50 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
HT: Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
Richie Sadlier
Former Republic of Ireland striker on RTE SportThis is the time now to deliver.
A League C position is not something we should contemplate.
Postpublished at 20:44 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
HT: Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
Richie Sadlier
Former Republic of Ireland striker on RTE SportWe're a danger from set-pieces so I think that is an avenue we should explore further in the second half.
We need a goal and we need it badly.
'Ultimate test'published at 20:42 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
HT: Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
Kevin Doyle
Former Republic of Ireland footballer on RTE 2Remember all the buzz words that we used in the build-up? Togetherness, positivity, energy and confidence.
This is the ultimate test of all these things now because there has been a little bit of a shift in the atmosphere.
Postpublished at 20:39 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
HT: Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
Bulgaria have had two chances on target in the opening 45 minutes.
Heimir Hallgrimsson will be disappointed that his side have conceded through one of them.
HALF-TIMEpublished at 20:32 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
Valentin Antov's goal means that the aggregate score is all square.
Postpublished at 20:31 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
We're into two minutes of additional time.
This half has flown in.
'Not enough power'published at 20:31 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTEThere's just not enough power in the header to take it over the line - the defender does well to clear it off the line.
YELLOW CARDpublished at 20:29 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
Another yellow card, this time for Jason Knight.
CLOSE!published at 20:29 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
Robbie Brady's in-swinging corner is headed towards goal by Jake O'Brien, but Valentin Antov nods the chance off the line.
Bulgaria try and counter with the Republic of Ireland eventually clearing their lines.
YELLOW CARDpublished at 20:26 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
The bookings are levelled as Mikey Johnston is penalised for pulling Marin Petkov's shirt.
Postpublished at 20:25 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
After receiving treatment Umut Meler is alright to continue and play resumes.
Postpublished at 20:23 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Bulgaria (agg 2-2)
There's a stoppage in play here to let referee Umut Meler talk to the Republic of Ireland physio.
It looks like he has hurt his calf.
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Valentin Antov celebrates putting Bulgaria in front at the Aviva Stadium
Ferguson scored his fifth international goal on his 20th cap to help Republic of Ireland to an aggregate win
The Republic of Ireland retained their place in Nations League B after a 2-1 win against Bulgaria in the play-off second leg at the Aviva Stadium earned them a 4-2 aggregate success.
Leading 2-1 from the first leg in Plovdiv, the Republic fell behind to Valentin Antov's goal from Bulgaria's first shot on target.
Yet, just as they did on Thursday, the hosts fought back as Evan Ferguson levelled with an emphatic finish in the 63rd minute, before substitute Adam Idah netted six minutes from time with a close-range volley.
The Republic have now won back-to-back games for the first time since March 2023 and the morale boosting aggregate victory will give Heimir Hallgrimsson's side confidence before the World Cup qualifiers in September.
Bulgaria stun slack hosts with opener
Bulgaria scored with their first shot on target
Hallgrimsson made two changes from the comeback victory on Thursday as Ferguson and Jake O'Brien came in for Ryan Manning and Dara O'Shea.
Everton defender O'Brien had the first chance of the game on three minutes after a fast-paced start from the hosts.
He rose highest to meet Robbie Brady's corner and his powerful header was pushed away by Plamen lliev.
The Republic threatened again on 23 minutes when Troy Parrott hit the post from close range after connecting with Brady's low delivery.
As was the case in the first leg, Bulgaria took the lead against the run of play on 30 minutes through a scrappy goal.
From their first corner of the game, Kiril Despodov found Georgi Milanov on the edge of the box and his first-time shot was only half cleared, landing at the feet of Antov who steered home.
Parrott almost levelled but his glancing header from another well-timed Brady cross floated just over the crossbar.
In an almost carbon copy of his first attempt, O'Brien again met a Brady corner, but his weak header was cleared off the line by Simeon Petrov.
Strikers pounce to complete comeback
Ferguson put his club woes behind him to produce a confident finish in equalising for his country
The start of the second half was delayed by eight minutes following an injury to referee Umut Meler with fourth official Mehmet Turkmen taking over.
Mikey Johnston had the first chance after the restart, shooting well wide from the right-hand side of the box after nice build-up play from the hosts.
The hosts squandered a great opportunity on 55 minutes as Parrott latched on to a loose pass from Simeon Petrov and fed Ferguson, whose low strike from range was tipped away by lliev.
Ferguson made amends for the miss by levelling the game and putting the Republic ahead on aggregate.
He started the move, driving forward after picking the ball up near the centre circle and playing a one-two with Finn Azaz before smashing the ball into the roof of the net.
That was his fifth goal for his country, with the relief of scoring palpable in his celebration after a difficult spell at club level while on loan at West Ham.
Idah then scored the late winner as the Celtic striker confidently tucked home on the half-volley from fellow substitute Mark Sykes' lofted cross to the back post.
Related topics
UEFA Nations League Scores & Fixtures
Sunday 23rd March
UEFA Nations League Table
On Sunday 23rd March
Skip to table key
Match Participants:
Match Participants:
League A Group 1
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 5 | 8 | 14 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 8 | -1 | 7 |
| |
| 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 16 | -7 | 4 |
|
League A Group 2
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 13 |
| |
| 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 13 |
| |
| 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 4 |
| |
4 Israel | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 13 | -8 | 4 |
|
League A Group 3
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 18 | 4 | 14 | 14 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 7 | 6 | 9 |
| |
| 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 6 |
| |
| 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 17 | -13 | 2 |
|
League A Group 4
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 4 | 9 | 16 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 8 |
| |
| 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 6 |
| |
| 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 14 | -8 | 2 |
|
League C Group 1
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 4 | 15 | 16 |
| |
| 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 13 |
| |
3 Estonia | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 9 | -6 | 4 |
|
4 Azerbaijan | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 17 | -14 | 1 |
|
League C Group 2
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 3 | 15 | 18 |
| |
2 Kosovo | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 12 |
|
3 Cyprus | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 15 | -11 | 6 |
|
4 Lithuania | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 0 |
|
- Bulgaria, Position 2, Points 9
League C Group 3
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 11 |
| |
2 Bulgaria | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 9 |
|
3 Belarus | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 7 |
|
4 Luxembourg | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 3 |
|
League C Group 4
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 9 | 16 |
| |
2 Armenia | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 9 | -1 | 7 |
|
3 Faroe Islands | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 6 |
|
4 Latvia | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 4 |
|
League D Group 1
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 San Marino | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
|
2 Gibraltar | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
|
3 Liechtenstein | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 2 |
|
League D Group 2
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Moldova | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 9 |
|
2 Malta | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 7 |
|
3 Andorra | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 1 |
|
League B Group 1
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 11 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 7 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 7 |
|
- Republic of Ireland, Position 3, Points 6
League B Group 2
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 3 | 13 | 15 |
| |
| 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 4 | 7 | 15 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 12 | -9 | 6 |
| |
| 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 13 | -11 | 0 |
|
League B Group 3
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 7 | 8 | 13 |
| |
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 5 | 9 | 11 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 8 |
| |
4 Kazakhstan | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 15 | -15 | 1 |
|
League B Group 4
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 12 |
| |
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 11 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 13 | -3 | 7 |
| |
4 Montenegro | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 9 | -5 | 3 |
|
Key
- Position 1 - 2 : Quarter-finals
- Position 3 : Relegation Play-off
- Position 4 : Relegation
Team Lineups
home team, Republic of Ireland
Manager: Heimir HallgrÃmsson
Formation: 4 - 4 - 2
Pitch Formation
1, Kelleher, Goalkeeper
2, Doherty, Defender
22, Collins, Defender
5, O'Brien, Defender
11, Brady, Defender
21, Johnston, Midfielder
6, Cullen, Midfielder
8, Knight, Midfielder
7, Azaz, Midfielder
9, Ferguson, Striker
15, Parrott, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, C. Kelleher
- Number 11, R. Brady , substituted for R. Manning at 66 minutes
- Number 5, J. O'Brien
- Number 22, N. Collins , Captain, Yellow Card at 90 minutes plus 2
- Number 2, M. Doherty
- Number 7, F. Azaz
- Number 8, J. Knight , Yellow Card at 44 minutes, substituted for J. Taylor at 82 minutes
- Number 6, J. Cullen
- Number 21, M. Johnston , Yellow Card at 40 minutes, substituted for A. Idah at 65 minutes
- Number 15, T. Parrott , substituted for M. Sykes at 66 minutes
- Number 9, E. Ferguson , substituted for J. Dunne at 74 minutes
Substitutes
home team, Republic of Ireland
- Number 20, J. Abankwah
- Number 19, S. Armstrong
- Number 16, G. Bazunu
- Number 12, J. Dunne
- Number 10, A. Idah
- Number 3, R. Manning
- Number 17, A. Moran
- Number 4, D. O'Shea
- Number 13, M. Sykes
- Number 18, J. Taylor
- Number 23, M. Travers
- Number 14, R. Vata
away team, Bulgaria
Manager: Ilian Iliev
Formation: 5 - 4 - 1
Pitch Formation
23, Iliev, Goalkeeper
2, Minkov, Wing Back
6, Antov, Defender
15, Petrov, Defender
14, Nedyalkov, Defender
5, Nürnberger, Wing Back
16, Petkov, Midfielder
17, Milanov, Midfielder
4, Gruev, Midfielder
11, Despodov, Midfielder
10, Kraev, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 23, P. Iliev
- Number 14, A. Nedyalkov
- Number 15, S. Petrov , Yellow Card at 32 minutes
- Number 6, V. Antov
- Number 5, F. Nürnberger , substituted for I. Iliev at 89 minutes
- Number 2, N. Minkov
- Number 11, K. Despodov , Captain
- Number 4, I. Gruev , Yellow Card at 84 minutes, substituted for S. Shopov at 89 minutes
- Number 17, G. Milanov , substituted for F. Krastev at 75 minutes
- Number 16, M. Petkov , substituted for R. Kirilov at 75 minutes
- Number 10, B. Kraev , substituted for V. Nikolov at 60 minutes
away team, Bulgaria
- Number 8, A. Kraev
- Number 12, D. Sheytanov
- Number 22, I. Iliev
- Number 19, S. Ivanov
- Number 3, H. Petrov
- Number 7, R. Kirilov
- Number 18, V. Panayotov
- Number 9, V. Nikolov , Yellow Card at 90 minutes plus 2
- Number 21, K. Stoyanov
- Number 13, S. Shopov
- Number 1, I. Dyulgerov
- Number 20, F. Krastev
home team, Republic of Ireland
Manager: Heimir HallgrÃmsson
Formation: 4 - 4 - 2
Pitch Formation
1, Kelleher, Goalkeeper
2, Doherty, Defender
22, Collins, Defender
5, O'Brien, Defender
11, Brady, Defender
21, Johnston, Midfielder
6, Cullen, Midfielder
8, Knight, Midfielder
7, Azaz, Midfielder
9, Ferguson, Striker
15, Parrott, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, C. Kelleher
- Number 11, R. Brady , substituted for R. Manning at 66 minutes
- Number 5, J. O'Brien
- Number 22, N. Collins , Captain, Yellow Card at 90 minutes plus 2
- Number 2, M. Doherty
- Number 7, F. Azaz
- Number 8, J. Knight , Yellow Card at 44 minutes, substituted for J. Taylor at 82 minutes
- Number 6, J. Cullen
- Number 21, M. Johnston , Yellow Card at 40 minutes, substituted for A. Idah at 65 minutes
- Number 15, T. Parrott , substituted for M. Sykes at 66 minutes
- Number 9, E. Ferguson , substituted for J. Dunne at 74 minutes
Substitutes
- Number 20, J. Abankwah
- Number 19, S. Armstrong
- Number 16, G. Bazunu
- Number 12, J. Dunne
- Number 10, A. Idah
- Number 3, R. Manning
- Number 17, A. Moran
- Number 4, D. O'Shea
- Number 13, M. Sykes
- Number 18, J. Taylor
- Number 23, M. Travers
- Number 14, R. Vata
away team, Bulgaria
Manager: Ilian Iliev
Formation: 5 - 4 - 1
Pitch Formation
23, Iliev, Goalkeeper
2, Minkov, Wing Back
6, Antov, Defender
15, Petrov, Defender
14, Nedyalkov, Defender
5, Nürnberger, Wing Back
16, Petkov, Midfielder
17, Milanov, Midfielder
4, Gruev, Midfielder
11, Despodov, Midfielder
10, Kraev, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 23, P. Iliev
- Number 14, A. Nedyalkov
- Number 15, S. Petrov , Yellow Card at 32 minutes
- Number 6, V. Antov
- Number 5, F. Nürnberger , substituted for I. Iliev at 89 minutes
- Number 2, N. Minkov
- Number 11, K. Despodov , Captain
- Number 4, I. Gruev , Yellow Card at 84 minutes, substituted for S. Shopov at 89 minutes
- Number 17, G. Milanov , substituted for F. Krastev at 75 minutes
- Number 16, M. Petkov , substituted for R. Kirilov at 75 minutes
- Number 10, B. Kraev , substituted for V. Nikolov at 60 minutes
Substitutes
- Number 8, A. Kraev
- Number 12, D. Sheytanov
- Number 22, I. Iliev
- Number 19, S. Ivanov
- Number 3, H. Petrov
- Number 7, R. Kirilov
- Number 18, V. Panayotov
- Number 9, V. Nikolov , Yellow Card at 90 minutes plus 2
- Number 21, K. Stoyanov
- Number 13, S. Shopov
- Number 1, I. Dyulgerov
- Number 20, F. Krastev
- Referee:
- Halil Umut Meler
- Video Assistant Referee:
- Dennis Higler
- Assistant Referee 1:
- Ibrahim Caglar Uyarcan
- Assistant Referee 2:
- Abdullah Özkara
- Fourth Official:
- Mehmet Türkmen
- Assistant VAR Official:
- Ingmar Oostrom
Match Officials
Match Stats
We're still improving Match stats. Let us know what you think.
Take surveyOverall possession
Shots
Republic of Ireland 14Bulgaria 7Advanced match stats
Shots
Republic of Ireland 14Bulgaria 7Shots on target
Republic of Ireland 5Bulgaria 2Shots off target
Republic of Ireland 5Bulgaria 3Blocked shots
Republic of Ireland 4Bulgaria 2Attempts out of box
Republic of Ireland 3Bulgaria 3One-on-one attempts
Republic of Ireland 3Bulgaria 0Total offside
Republic of Ireland 2Bulgaria 0Total tackles
Republic of Ireland 9Bulgaria 15Won tackles
Republic of Ireland 8Bulgaria 8Fouls
Republic of Ireland 12Bulgaria 12Total yellow cards
Republic of Ireland 3Bulgaria 3Total clearances
Republic of Ireland 20Bulgaria 24Headed clearances
Republic of Ireland 17Bulgaria 11Duels won
Republic of Ireland 40Bulgaria 39Clearances off the line
Republic of Ireland 0Bulgaria 1Errors leading to shots
Republic of Ireland 0Bulgaria 1Total passes
Republic of Ireland 488Bulgaria 483Accurate passes
Republic of Ireland 421Bulgaria 412Backward passes
Republic of Ireland 89Bulgaria 75Forward passes
Republic of Ireland 142Bulgaria 117Total long balls
Republic of Ireland 46Bulgaria 55Successful final third passes
Republic of Ireland 68Bulgaria 68Total crosses
Republic of Ireland 19Bulgaria 15Touches
Republic of Ireland 636Bulgaria 634Touches in the box
Republic of Ireland 26Bulgaria 11Dispossessed
Republic of Ireland 3Bulgaria 3Goalkeeper saves
Republic of Ireland 1Bulgaria 2Diving saves
Republic of Ireland 1Bulgaria 2Saved shots from inside the box
Republic of Ireland 1Bulgaria 2Saved shots from outside the box
Republic of Ireland 0Bulgaria 1Keeper throws
Republic of Ireland 2Bulgaria 2Goal kicks
Republic of Ireland 6Bulgaria 8Season so far
UEFA Nations League
Key, Rep. Ireland v Bulgaria
Goals scored
Republic of Ireland 7Bulgaria 5Form guide
All competitions
Republic of Ireland won
v Bulgaria
1
2
UEFA Nations League
Bulgaria lose
v Republic of Ireland
1
2
UEFA Nations League
Republic of Ireland lose
v England
5
0
UEFA Nations League
Bulgaria draw
v Belarus
1
1
UEFA Nations League
Republic of Ireland won
v Finland
1
0
UEFA Nations League
Bulgaria won
v Luxembourg
0
1
UEFA Nations League
Republic of Ireland lose
v Greece
2
0
UEFA Nations League
Bulgaria lose
v Northern Ireland
5
0
UEFA Nations League
Republic of Ireland won
v Finland
1
2
UEFA Nations League
Bulgaria draw
v Luxembourg
0
0
UEFA Nations League
Previous meetings
All competitions
Republic of Ireland and BulgariaRepublic of Ireland Won 4Bulgaria Won 3Draw 6
Played
13
Previous scores
All competitions
UEFA Nations League
Bulgaria 1 , Republic of Ireland 2 on the 20th of March 2025
Bulgaria
Republic of Ireland
20th of March 2025
Republic of Ireland 0 , Bulgaria 0 on the 18th of November 2020
Republic of Ireland
Bulgaria
18th of November 2020
Bulgaria 1 , Republic of Ireland 1 on the 3rd of September 2020
Bulgaria
Republic of Ireland
3rd of September 2020
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- Skip back to season so far
Match Facts
Republic of Ireland have never lost a home match against Bulgaria in five previous encounters (W2 D3), with the most recent game ending goalless in November 2020.
Bulgaria have failed to win any of their last six games against Republic of Ireland (D4 L2), netting just four goals in that time and never more than one in the same match.
Republic of Ireland won their last home game, beating Finland 1-0 in November. Eire are looking to win consecutive home games for the first time since September 2022.
Bulgaria won 1-0 in their last away UEFA Nations League game against Luxembourg in November. They haven’t won consecutive competitive away internationals since victories against Luxembourg in October 2006 and Belarus in June 2007 in UEFA European Championship qualifiers.
Seven of Republic of Ireland’s last 10 international goals have come via headers, including each of their last three in succession, and both in the first leg of this UEFA Nations League tie in Bulgaria on Thursday.
Bulgaria have failed to score in 58% of their away UEFA Nations League games (7/12), scoring just six goals in total across their 12 competition matches on their travels.
If he features in this match, Matt Doherty will make his 50th appearance for Republic of Ireland, becoming the first player to reach that milestone for his nation since Shane Duffy vs Portugal in November 2021.
19-year-old Rocco Vata made his first appearance for Republic of Ireland last time out against Bulgaria, and could become just the third teenager to score for them in the 21st Century, following Evan Ferguson (three goals in 2023) and Troy Parrott (two goals in 2021).