FC Spartak Plovdiv

Spartak was founded on 15 November 1947, evolving from three earlier Plovdiv clubs – Levski, Septemvri and Udarnik. The club name is a reference to the Roman slave hero Spartacus. This reference also explains the club's nickname – The Gladiators (Bulgarian: Гладиаторите). The first team colours of the club were chosen the same year, and soon Spartak was characterized by a blue, red and white checkers jersey. These colors have remained throughout the club's history, with various patterns used over the years. The 1950s and 1960s were Spartak's golden age, spending that time in the A PFG. The club won the Bulgarian Cup in 1958, beating Minyor Pernik in the final. This was Spartak's first major trophy in club history. In the 1961–62 season, Spartak finished as runners-up, behind CSKA Sofia. Spartak's greatest success came in 1963, however, when they were crowned champions of Bulgaria for the 1962–63 season. Spartak finished three points above city rivals Botev Plovdiv, in a closely fought battle for the title. Spartak's Todor Diev finished as the top goalscorer that season, with 26 goals coming second the previous year. As league champions the previous season, the club participated in the European Cup competition for the first time in 1963–64 against Partizani (0–1, 3–1) and PSV Eindhoven (0–1, 0–0). The second continental participation was in Inter-Cities Fairs Cup 1966–67 against S.L. Benfica (1–1, 0–3). In 1964, Spartak reached the Balkans Cup final, losing to FC Rapid…

Domestic

First League: Winners (1): 1962–63 Bulgarian Cup: Winners (1): 1958