On November 7, 2024, at 19:45, Bulgaria will host an exciting Europa League clash at the Huvepharma Arena in Razgrad, where Ludogorets(Razgrad, Bulgaria) will face Athletic(Bilbao, Spain).
Where to watch: MEGOGO, Volia TV
Suspended players: Caio Vidal, Pedro Naressi (both from Ludogorets)
Injured: Jakub Piotrowski – Unai Simon, Mikel Haurégui, Gorka Guruset.
Doubtful: Anton Nedialkov, Bernard Tekpetey – Oyan Sanse.
Ludogorets
The “Greens” are a constant representative of Bulgaria in European competitions. In recent years, they have primarily participated in either the Europa League or the Conference League. This year, Ludogorets reached the group stage of the Europa League after a disappointing exit in the third round of the Champions League playoffs, where they were thrashed 2:7 at home in the second leg against Qarabag (4:8 on aggregate). In the Europa League playoffs, the team confidently eliminated Moldo’s Petrokub (4:0; 2:1). They were then taken over by Igor Yovichevich, a former coach of Carpathians, Dnipro-1, Shakhtarand several other clubs. So far in the Europa League group stage, Ludogorets’ performance has been underwhelming – just one point from three matches, with no goals scored and four conceded. Initially, the Bulgarians lost 0:2 at home to Prague’s Slaviathen drew 0:0 away at Pilsen against Victoriaand suffered another 0:2 defeat in Brussels against Anderlecht.
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Despite their struggles on the international stage, Ludogorets has been unstoppable domestically. The “Greens” have won 12 out of 13 matches in the Bulgarian Championship and currently lead the table, outpacing their closest rival, Botevby nine points. Levski is also trailing by the same margin, but the capital team has played one match more. The only club to stand firm against Ludogorets was Cherno More of Varna, who managed a goalless draw in Razgrad at the start of September, even before Igor Yovichevich took charge. The upcoming match against the Basques will be Ludogorets’ fourth consecutive home game; they have won the previous three with a total score of 12:0 – 3:0 in the league against CSKA 1948 and Hebarand 6:0 against a third-division opponent in the Bulgarian Cup.
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Athletic
The Basque supporters have long awaited the return of their beloved team to the international arena. While they failed to qualify for their coveted Champions League, Ernest Valverde’s side will compete in the Europa League, the final of which will be held in Bilbao. What a motivation to perform their best and reach the home final! This means the “Lions” could bag two trophies – clinch the Europa League title and secure a spot in the Champions League. Therefore, considering that the teams dropping from the Champions League will not impact the Europa League this season, it’s understandable why Athletic is considered one of the tournament’s favorites, especially if they enjoy favorable draws in the decisive rounds.
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Athletic started its Europa League campaign with an away draw in Rome, salvaged by a late goal from center-back Aitor Paredes against Roma (1:1). Eurocup returned to San Mames for the first home match, where the “Lions” confidently defeated Dutch side THE (2:0), followed by a hard-fought victory over Prague’s Slavia—1:0. With seven points after three group stage matches, Athletic is currently in the top eight, with only three teams – Lazio, Tottenhamand Anderlecht – having more points. Five other clubs are tied with Athletic on seven points, including Ajax, Galatasaray, Central Jutland, Concordand They will/Glimt.
Before their victory against the Czechs, Athletic convincingly won against Espanyol in La Liga, netting 4:1. However, the two previous matches involving Valverde’s side somehow ended without victory. First, the Basques could only manage a 0:0 draw against Mallorcadespite having a man advantage from the 23rd minute and creating numerous chances. Last weekend, they were held to a frustrating 1:1 draw at home against Betiswasting yet another opportunity to climb into the top four of the La Liga standings.
Ludogorets vs Athletic: Predicted Line-ups
Ludogorets is missing two key players due to suspension – attacking midfielder Pedro Naressi (accumulation of yellow cards) and winger Caio Vidal (red card in the previous match). Additionally, experienced midfielder Jakub Piotrowski is injured (Poland’s Euro 2024 player), while the participation of captain Anton Nedialkov and veteran winger Bernard Tekpetey remains uncertain. As for Athletic, they are without starting goalkeeper Unai Simon, talented midfielder Mikel Haurégui, and center forward Gorka Guruseta due to injury. There are also doubts regarding the availability of creative midfielder Oyan Sanse, who may only feature if absolutely necessary.
Ludogorets vs Athletic: Author’s Prediction
Ludogorets is impressive on the domestic front, but struggles to score in the Europa League, unable to secure even a single victory or goal thus far. However, they have yet to face a genuinely strong opponent like Athletic. Of course, they will score at some point, but a victory seems unlikely in this upcoming encounter. Meanwhile, Athletic, despite frustrating draws in their last two matches, is in excellent form and rightly considered favorites in this clash. I believe Ernesto Valverde may tinker with his line-up, but that shouldn’t prevent the “Lions” from bagging three points in Razgrad.
