Ludogorets vs Qarabag Prediction: Qarabag FK is expected to advance with a 2-2 draw on the night, progressing 4-3 on aggregate due to the away goals rule despite Ludogorets’ home advantage.
The UEFA Champions League third qualifying round second leg between Ludogorets Razgrad and Qarabag FK is set to take place at the Huvepharma Arena in Razgrad, Bulgaria on Tuesday evening. With a spot in the playoff round at stake, both teams will be eager to secure progression in this crucial fixture.
Match Details
Competition: UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round (Second Leg)
Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Kick-off: 19:00 BST / 14:00 ET
Venue: Huvepharma Arena, Razgrad
Match Preview
Ludogorets come into this match with momentum, having won both of their domestic league fixtures so far this season. The Eagles will be buoyed by their away goal advantage but must remain vigilant against an experienced Qarabag side.
Qarabag, perennial champions in Azerbaijan, have shown their European pedigree in recent years. Last season, they reached the Europa League round of 16 before being eliminated by Bayer Leverkusen. The Horsemen will draw confidence from their attacking display in the first leg and believe they can turn the tie around in Bulgaria.
Current Situation
Ludogorets hold a slender 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Baku last week. The Bulgarian champions will be looking to protect their lead and advance to the playoff round, where Dinamo Zagreb await the winners of this tie.
Predicted Ludogorets vs Qarabag Lineups
Ludogorets Razgrad Lineup (4-3-3): Almeida, Son, Duah, Piotrowski, Delev, Verdon, Nedyalkov, Rick, Naressi, Bonmann, Nedelev.
Qarabag FK Lineup (4-2-3-1): Benzia, Romao, Vesovic, Bayramov, Juninho, Zoubir, Jankovic, Medina, Mustafazada, Andrade, Buntic.
Injured and Unavailable Players
Bernard Tekpetey (Ludogorets)
Injury: Broken leg
Status: Out indefinitely after undergoing surgery
Caio Vidal (Ludogorets)
Reason: Suspension
Status: Unavailable for this match due to red card in the first leg
Sergio Padt (Ludogorets)
Status: Uncertain
Note: First-choice goalkeeper was missing from the squad in the first leg
Kwadwo Duah (Ludogorets)
Status: Available
Note: Expected to lead the line despite recent international duty
For Qarabag FK, no specific injuries or unavailabilities have been reported in our sources.
Key Players to Watch
For Ludogorets, Swiss striker Kwadwo Duah will be crucial in leading the line. The hosts will also look to midfielder Dominik Yankov to control the tempo of the game.
Qarabag’s main threat comes from Brazilian forward Juninho, who found the net in the first leg. Captain Abdellah Zoubir’s creativity in midfield could also prove decisive for the visitors.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
This is only the second competitive meeting between these two sides. Ludogorets have won their last three matches in all competitions, while Qarabag suffered their first defeat of the season in the first leg after two convincing wins in their domestic league.
Where to Watch Live?
Unfortunately, no broadcast information is currently available for viewers in the United States. Fans are advised to check their local listings closer to kick-off time.
For viewers in other countries:
- Azerbaijan: CBC Sport Azerbaijan
- Bulgaria: Play Diema Xtra, Diema Sport 2
It’s important to note that broadcast availability may change, and viewers should check their local listings closer to kick-off time for the most up-to-date information.
Prediction and Scoreline
The predicted outcome for this match is:
Ludogorets Razgrad 2-2 Qarabag FK (Qarabag FK to advance 4-3 on aggregate)
This scoreline suggests a thrilling encounter with both teams finding the net, but Qarabag FK’s away goals ultimately proving decisive.
While Ludogorets have the home advantage and a slender lead from the first leg, Qarabag’s European experience and attacking prowess make them dangerous opponents. This tightly contested affair could go either way, with Qarabag FK potentially progressing due to the away goals rule despite a draw on the night.
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