Litex

Litex Lovech, commonly known as Litex, is a renowned Bulgarian football club based in Lovech. Established in 1921, the club initially started as Hisarya Football Club before undergoing several name changes. It was not until 1996 that the club was renamed Litex, after its main sponsor, Litex Commerce AD.

Litex has a rich history in Bulgarian football, having won the Bulgarian championship four times and the Bulgarian Cup on four occasions. The club's first major success came in the 1998-1999 season when they clinched their first Bulgarian A Professional Football Group title. This triumph marked the beginning of a golden era for Litex, as they went on to win the league title again in 1999-2000, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012.

In addition to their domestic success, Litex has also made a name for itself in European football. The club has participated in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League, where they have faced some of the continent's top clubs. Their best performance in European competitions came in the 2005-2006 season when they reached the group stage of the UEFA Cup.

Litex's home ground is the Lovech Stadium, a modern facility with a seating capacity of over 8,000 spectators. The stadium is known for its vibrant atmosphere, particularly during local derbies and European nights.

The club has produced several notable players who have gone on to represent the Bulgarian national team and play in some of Europe's top leagues. These include Stanislav Manolev, who has played for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, and Ivelin Popov, who has featured for clubs in Russia and Turkey.

Despite its successes, Litex has faced challenges. In 2015, the club was expelled from the Bulgarian A Professional Football Group due to a dispute with the Bulgarian Football Union. This led to the formation of a new club, FC Litex Lovech, which started from the third division. The new club managed to earn promotion to the second division in its first season and has been working its way back to the top flight of Bulgarian football.

Litex Lovech is more than just a football club; it is a symbol of Lovech and a source of pride for its supporters. The club's history, achievements, and resilience in the face of adversity have cemented its place in Bulgarian football folklore. Despite the challenges, Litex continues to strive for success, embodying the spirit of determination and perseverance that is characteristic of Bulgarian football.