The draw for the Men's Challenge Cup presented an opportunity for an all-Bulgarian clash as early as the Round of 16 of the tournament, which would guarantee our country a representative among the top 16 teams in the competition.
For this to happen, however, both Bulgarian clubs must first overcome their opponents in the Round of 32. CSKA will face Ukrainian Epitsentr-Podolyany Horodok, while Lokomotiv Avia (Plovdiv) will go up against Montenegrin Budva.

The tournament bracket stipulates that the winner of the CSKA – Epitsentr-Podolyany pairing will face the winner of Budva – Lokomotiv Avia in the next round. This means that if both Bulgarian clubs advance, there will be a direct clash between CSKA and Lokomotiv Avia.
Such a development would guarantee that Bulgaria will have at least one representative in the Round of 16 of the third strongest European club tournament.
The first legs of the Round of 32 will be played between November 10-12, and the return legs are scheduled for November 17-19. The potential matches of the Round of 16 will take place between December 8-10, and the return legs – between January 5 and 7, 2027.