Ludogorets Razgrad host Zrinjski Mostar in the Europa League third qualifying round on Thursday night. The clubs will meet at the Ludogorets Arena in Razgrad with a place in the Europa League playoffs on the line.
Ludogorets have made the move to the Europa League following their failure in the Champions League second qualifying round. The Bulgarians were shocked by Hungarian minnows Videoton. Ludogorets were held scoreless over two legs and go into Thursday night’s fixture with a lot to prove.
Mostar are the reigning champions of Bosnia. The Bosnian league is undoubtedly a step down in quality to the Bulgarian top-flight and Ludogorets shouldn’t have any trouble winning the first leg at home. Mostar also started their European campaign in the Champions League. However, they lost to Spartak Trnava in the Champions League first qualifying round. Mostar did advance in the Europa League second qualifying round after beating Maltese Valletta on aggregate. Now, they find themselves looking for an upset against a difficult Ludogorets team.
Paulo Autuori’s Ludogorets are filled with talented Brazilian players. They have a range of Brazilians that bring experience and quality to the side. It is quality that Mostar do not have. Although Autuori’s team lost in the Champions League against Videoton, Ludogorets shouldn’t have any difficulty rebounding with a win in the Europa League. Due to Ludogorets’ attacking options, it is unlikely Mostar will be able to pack defenders deep into their half to defend. Not only are Ludogorets a higher quality opposition for Mostar, they are playing at home too.
Ludogorets are three matches into their Bulgarian domestic campaign. Therefore, fitness shouldn’t be a problem for the reigning Bulgarian champions. Ludogorets aren’t in the best form currently. The side lost their last league fixture against Lokomotiv Plovdiv, 1-0. It came a week after drawing 1-1 with Beroe in the league. Ludogorets do have goals in them, which was evidenced in their 9-0 aggregate win over Crusaders FC in the Champions League first qualifying round.
Like Ludogorets, Mostar go into Thursday night’s match having lost their most recent domestic fixture. Mostar lost 2-0 to Zeljeznicar on Sunday. It was their first loss in the Bosnian league this term.
Mostar will be up against difficult opposition on Thursday. Ludogorets’ talented players will be a step above what Mostar normally face. Ludogorets will ease to victory on Thursday and take a lead back to Mostar for the away leg of their Champions League third qualifying round series.