2024-07-10 20:54:44
The Bulgarian football hegemon for the last 13 years, “Ludogorets”, defeated the Georgian champion “Dinamo” (Batumi) 3:1 in a match of the first qualifying round of the Champions League. The meeting was at “Huvefarma Arena” in Razgrad.
“Dynamo” is the champion in the championship there, and the competition in the country has already started with a tournament for the Super Cup. The team from Batumi finished in third place, looking decidedly unconvincing in both of their matches.
The second leg is on July 17 (Wednesday) at 20:00 at the Adjabaret Arena stadium in Batumi. If Ludogorets wins against the Georgians, “Ludogorets” will meet “Dynamo” (Minsk, Belarus) or “Pyunik” (Armenia) in the second qualifying round.
After a calm start, in which “Ludogorets” had more possession of the ball, the Bulgarian champions opened the scoring with their first serious goal in the 13th minute.
Todor Nedelev took a short corner to Rick Jonathan, who freed himself elegantly from Vandersson Silva on the edge of the box and then set the ball to the onrushing Bernard Tekpetei.
The Ghanaian was totally forgotten by the Georgians and with a nice shot with his right foot from ten meters he left no chance to the goalkeeper Ricardo Silva for 1:0.
Ludogorets’ better play paid off once again in the 24th minute when the hosts doubled their lead.
With only two passes, the “Eagles” literally broke the opposing defense, Ruan Seko took control on his chest and turned well, then led Rick Jonathan into the corridor.
The Brazilian came out only to face the goalkeeper Silva and shot on goal. The ball first bounced off the side post and then went in for 2:0.
After the break, the guests went forward and reached a goal.
The Georgians’ more assertive play in the second half paid off in the 62nd minute when they reduced the deficit.
Gomis made a double pass from the right into the box with Jean Victor, then the Senegalese tackled Tekpetei and found Mamuchashvili.
Then the players of the “eagles” seemed to stop playing and the “Dynamo” midfielder overcame Dinish Almeida and sent the ball into Padt’s goal from close range for 2:1.
The footballers of the Bulgarian champion were left with claims that a signal was sounded by the referee, which was not there, but the cameras caught the sound of a whistle, which apparently confused the players of “Ludogorets”.
Just ten minutes later, however, Aslak Von Vitri restored the home side’s two-goal lead with a superb strike from a free-kick.
See the starting lineups.
“LUDOGORETS”: Sergio Padt, Aslak Von Vitry, Olivier Verdon, Dinish Almeida, Anton Nedyalkov, Pedro Naresi, Todor Nedelev, Ivaylo Chochev, Rick Jonathan, Ruan Seko, Bernard Tekpetei.
“DYNAMO”: Ricardo Silva, Vanderson Silva, Levan Harabadze, Mamuka Kobakhidze, Nikoloz Mali, Jean Victor, Alef Santosh, Vladimir Mamuchashvili, Honore Gomis, Halen Blessa, Paata Gudushauri.