The second leg of the 2025/26 Champions League second qualifying round between Ludogorets (Bulgaria) and Rijeka (Croatia) will take place on July 30 at the Ludogorets Arena in Razgrad. The first match ended in a 0-0 draw. Ludogorets vs. Rijeka: prediction, betting odds, and statistics.
Ludogorets
The Bulgarian club drew 0-0 away with Rijeka in the first leg, extending their winless streak in European away games to six matches (4 draws, 2 losses). Now, to advance to the next round, the team needs a win by any score, a result they have achieved in 7 of their last 10 home Champions League fixtures. A draw would push the game into extra time.
- The team has scored at least two goals in 7 of their last 10 home matches in the Champions League.
- The club has not conceded more than one goal in 8 of their last 10 home games in this tournament.
- The Bulgarians have failed to win in 4 of their last 5 home matches in European competitions (1 draw, 3 losses).
Predicted lineup for Ludogorets (5-3-2)
Hendrik Bonmann – Anton Nedyalkov, Olivier Verdon, Son, Edwin Kurtulus, Caio Vidal – Filip Kaloc, Jakub Piotrowski, Erik Markus – Bernard Tekpetey, Erik Bille.
Rijeka
The team extended their winless streak in the Champions League to five matches after the goalless draw in the first leg with Ludogorets (3 draws, 2 losses). Throughout their history in this tournament, they have played three away matches and won only once. Additionally, the team has failed to win in their last four away games in European competitions, and only a victory will see them advance to the next round of the Champions League.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 4 of the team's last 5 matches in the Champions League.
- In 5 of Rijeka's last 7 away games on the international stage, there was no exchange of goals.
- The Croatians have scored a maximum of one goal in 5 of their last 6 away matches in European competitions.
Predicted lineup for Rijeka (4-3-3)
Martin Zlomislic – Mladen Devetak, Ante Majstorovic, Stepan Radelic, Ante Oric – Niko Jankovic, Dejan Petrovic, Tiago Dantas – Toni Fruk, Luka Menalo, Merveil Ndockyt.
Referee
John Beaton (Scotland)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 73;
Average yellow cards per match – 6.1;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 42%.
Ludogorets vs. Rijeka: Match Prediction
In the first qualifying round of the Champions League, Ludogorets defeated Dinamo Minsk at home 1-0, completely dominating the field – the Bulgarians had 15 more shots and 8 more corners than their opponent. In terms of gameplay, Rijeka does not appear stronger than Dinamo Minsk, meaning the hosts should have the advantage here as well. Moreover, Ludogorets has won 7 of their last 10 home Champions League matches, and the support of the crowd and home field could play a crucial role, especially if the match goes into extra time or penalties.
As for Rijeka, the Croatian club has not participated in the Champions League for over eight years, and this lack of experience at this level could be a factor, especially in a tense finish. Additionally, the team has played only one official match this season, while Ludogorets has already played four, which could affect the match rhythm in favor of the hosts. Furthermore, Rijeka has failed to win 7 of their last 9 matches in European competitions, highlighting the team's instability on the international stage.
Considering all this, my prediction is: Ludogorets to advance to the next round
