The Bulgarian football hegemon for the last 13 years, “Ludogorets“, played its strongest match so far in the Europa League in terms of quality, but lost to the Belgian giant “Anderlecht” with 0:2 when visiting Brussels.
The boys of Razgrad coach Igor Jovičević fared quite well against the team that had recorded two consecutive victories, but in the 29th minute the head referee from Slovakia – Filip Glova, made the controversial decision to send off Caio Vidal with a red card after the intervention of the VAR, although previously the Brazilian to have been fouled extremely cynically by Tristan Degreif.
In addition to this fact, the referee handed out too many “light” cards, which made the duel on the outskirts of Brussels extremely nervous.
However, the Eagles continued to play well at Lotto Park, but in the 68th minute, Manchester City youngster Samuel Edozie, who is on loan from Southampton to Anderlecht, scored.
In extra time, Ruan Cruz’s goal for Ludogorets was disallowed as assist Pedro Naresi was offside with his shoulder.
In overtime, Anders Dreyer scored for 2:0.
Thus, “Anderlecht”, despite not demonstrating exceptional football qualities, recorded the 3rd success in the Europa League and is 3rd in the standings, and the people of Razgrad are 33rd out of 36 teams.
In their next match in Europe, the “eagles” from Razgrad will host “Atletico” (Bilbao) at the “Huvefarma Arena” in search of their first win and first goal in the second strongest European club tournament.
The coach of “Ludogorets” could not rely on his big star Jakub Piotrovski, who was operated on for a hernia. Anton Nedyalkov and Bernard Tekpetei are also out. Spas Delev and Todor Nedelev are without files for the tournament.
The hosts were without Thorgan Hazard and Jan Vertonghen. Both have long-term injuries.
The two teams played against each other a year and a half ago in the elimination phase of the Conference League. Then “Ludogorets” won 1:0 in Razgrad, then lost 1:2 and penalties in Belgium.
Anderlecht: Colin Kosemans, Thomas Focket, Leander Dendoncker, Jan-Carlo Simic, Ludvig Augustinson, Mats Rits, Majed Ashimeru, Tristan Degrief, Mario Stroeykens, Anders Dreyer, Luis Vazquez.
“Ludogorets”: Hendrik Bonman, Aslak von Vitry, Olivier Verdon, Dinesh Almeida, Son, Pedro Naresi, Deroy Duarte, Caio Vidal, Ivaylo Chochev, Rick Jonathan, Kwadwo Dua.