The native champion will play at least 10 more matches in Europe
Ludogorets defeated Slovenian champion Mura 3-1 and after a draw in the first match a week ago, managed to qualify for the third qualifying round of the Champions League.
In addition, the citizens of Razgrad secured European football at least until Christmas. The native champion will certainly play in the group stage of a European tournament. Even if he is eliminated from the Champions League, he will go to the Europa League qualifiers, and even if he is eliminated there, he will go to the groups of the new League of Conferences tournament.
This provides a minimum of 10 more European matches, as well as solid revenue, even if these matches are 10 defeats.
And the task in the Champions League will be very difficult, because the next obstacle for Razgrad is the Greek colossus Olympiacos. The strongest possible opponent in the qualifications for the league of the rich, as the first match is in Piraeus on August 3 or 4, the rematch is a week later in Razgrad.
Ludogorets’ task was not easy today either, because a week ago in Slovenia it became clear that Mura’s well-organized and physically strong defense is quite difficult to overcome. And although everything ended with a seemingly comfortable 3: 1, ten minutes before the end the result in Razgrad was 1: 1, and both teams were headed for overtime.
The larger individual class, especially in the actions of Cowley, proved to be decisive, as at the very end with an assist and a goal, the Brazilian sent Ludogorets forward.
And it all started perfectly for Ludogorets, who from the first minute started aggressively with the clear goal to score an early goal.
And the plan worked, because in the 4th minute Sotiriou and Ikoko made a great double pass. The right full-back was brought almost to the outline and managed to return the ball to the penalty area, where Cowley masterfully skipped it, and behind him Sotiriou finished with a goal.
The goal obviously embarrassed the Slovenes, and in the next 20 minutes Ludogorets did not stop attacking, but apart from a few shots outside the penalty area, we did not see anything more interesting.
Gradually, Moore managed to level the game, even hitting a crossbar, albeit a little accidentally. An attempt to cross landed on the crossbar of the disoriented in the situation Kahlina, and late attack Klepach shot over the door from a very comfortable position.
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After the break, the game continued to be equal, as Ludogorets seemed to give too much space to his opponent, instead of trying to hold the ball more.
And so, logically, came the 64th minute, in which Mura equalized with a very similar goal to that of Ludogorets.
Mandic received a pass on the right flank almost to the outline and managed to return around the penalty spot, where a Slovenian player jumped the ball, and behind him alone Tommy Horvat sent it into the goal for 1: 1.
This result sent things into overtime, and with each passing minute the two teams tried less and less risks.
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Ten minutes before the end, however, fate smiled on the people of Razgrad. Despodov tried a technical pass with a heel, which he succeeded with a lot of luck.
It’s just that the Slovenian players were busy and didn’t know who to play with the ball, which the assertive Cowley stole, passed to Elvis Manu, and the Dutch striker sent it into the empty net.
After the goal, Ludogorets did the best thing, not allowing Mura to go to the final assault. Razgrad controlled the match, played well, and in the last 90 minutes they managed to put an end to the dispute.
Then Cowley came out in an excellent position and masterfully directed the ball into the door for 3: 1. Goal and assist for the Brazilian at the end of the match, with which he sent his team forward.
And now it’s the turn of the terribly difficult obstacle Olympiacos.
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