Our prediction for this Champions League match:
Ludogorets will be aiming to overcome a two-goal deficit in the tie with FC Ballkani when the two teams face each other in Razgrad in the Champions League first qualifying round, second leg. The Bulgarian champions have no other option but to go all guns blazing at the Kosovars and we are positive that they will adopt an attack-minded approach in Wednesday’s clash. Ivaylo Petev rested several first-team regulars in a 3-1 loss to Krumovgrad, but he is likely to field the best possible side against FC Ballkani.
The visitors, on the other hand, are likely to rely on their solid defence in the reverse fixture, but preventing Ludogorets attackers from scoring at Huvepharma Arena is easier said than done. Home win should be considered even though we do not believe that the Bulgarians are capable of overcoming the deficit. A man to watch in the away side will be Meriton Korenica, who impressed in the first leg.
Highlighted Team (Ludogorets):
Bulgarian football club PFC Ludogorets Razgrad, commonly referred to as Eagles, compete at the Ludogorets Arena with the capacity of 8,000. PFC Ludogorets Razgrad are owned by Kiril Domuschiev, who made it his personal goal to propel the club to domestic and international success and to hold up the Bulgarian flag high with nation’s biggest clubs Levski and CSKA going through turbulent times.
Having seen their stock rise astronomically since 2010, PFK Ludogorets Razgrad have become the first Bulgarian club to be features in the UEFA Champions League group stage twice. Previously, their maiden participation happened in 2014-15 season when the Bulgarian club made headlines due to notable results against FC Basel and Liverpool.
Their success on domestic scene has been equally impressive as PFC Ludogorets Razgrad remain the second team in the world to win a treble after being promoted from the second to the first league. Main force of the Bulgarian club are the Brazilian players, currently eight of them in the squad many of whom hold the Bulgarian citizenship.