Stoilov guides Litex to cup glory

Stanimir Stoilov was in buoyant mood after holders PFC Litex Lovech secured European football for next season with a 3-0 victory against PFC Pirin Blagoevgrad in the Bulgarian Cup final.

Profitable association
Fifth in the league standings after a difficult first campaign at the helm for Stoilov, the coach turned to a familiar friend for salvation and a place in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round. Goals from Wilfried Niflore (20), Doca Madureira (72) and Krum Bibishkov (86) were enough to earn the 42-year-old his third Bulgarian Cup in five years following triumphs at PFC Levski Sofia in 2005 and 2007. "The win was very important as it ensures we will play in European competition," said Stoilov, who combines his Litex role with his job as Bulgaria coach. "There was pressure on us because of that, but we coped well and deserved the win."