The first leg of the Champions League 2025/26 second qualifying round between Rijeka (Croatia) and Ludogorets (Bulgaria) will take place on July 22 at the Rujevica Stadium. Rijeka vs. Ludogorets: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Rijeka
The Croatian team earned the right to participate in the second qualifying round of the Champions League by winning the national championship. This is the club's third appearance in the Champions League: the last time was in the 2017/18 season, when they also started from the second qualifying round and reached the final stage of qualification. In the last European season, Rijeka began their journey from the second qualifying round of the Europa League but failed to advance even to the main stage of the Conference League. It's worth noting that the Croatian national championship starts only in August, so all the players' focus and motivation are currently centered on European competitions.
- No more than two goals have been scored in the club's last five home matches in European competitions.
- Rijeka has won with a handicap (0) in the last six home matches on the international stage.
- In 5 of the last 7 games in European tournaments, at least one opponent has failed to score.
Predicted lineup for Rijeka (4-4-2)
Martin Zlomislic – Mladen Devetak, Ante Majstorovic, Stepan Radeljic, Ante Oric – Luka Menalo, Niko Jankovic, Dejan Petrovic, Toni Fruk – Duje Cop, Merveil Ndockyt.
Ludogorets
In the first qualifying round of the Champions League, the Bulgarian club faced Minsk Dynamo. After a narrow 1-0 victory at home, the team lost 1-2 in regular time in the return leg but managed to secure a spot in the second round thanks to a goal in extra time. It's worth noting that this stage of the Champions League qualification has been contested by the Bulgarians 12 times, and they have advanced further on seven occasions.
During the summer transfer window, the club strengthened its midfield with the additions of Filip Kaloc and Erik Markus.
- The club has lost 7 of their last 8 away matches in the Champions League.
- The team has not scored in the first half in 10 of their last 13 away games.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 4 of the last 5 European away matches.
Predicted lineup for Ludogorets (4-3-1-2)
Sergio Padt – Anton Nedyalkov, Olivier Verdon, Son, Edwin Kurtulus – Pedro Naressi, Filip Kaloc, Jakub Piotrowski – Erik Markus – Bernard Tekpetey, Caio Vidal.
Referee
Elchin Masiyev (Azerbaijan)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 37;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 29%.
Rijeka vs. Ludogorets: Match Prediction
Rijeka has shown consistent performance at home in European competitions in recent years. In their last six home matches on the international stage, the Croatian club has not conceded more than one goal. This trend continues in the Champions League – throughout their history in this tournament, the team has played three home matches and has not allowed opponents to score more than one goal. Given that Rijeka has not participated in the Champions League for a while, the players will be especially motivated to perform well in this edition, particularly in front of their fans.
Ludogorets, on the other hand, faces certain challenges in attack when playing away. The Bulgarian club has not scored more than one goal in 5 of their last 6 away matches in the Champions League, as well as in their last five matches across all European competitions. In the first qualifying round, the team also did not show high scoring prowess, netting just one goal in each match against Minsk Dynamo. In my opinion, Rijeka is a team with a more reliable defense, especially at home.
My prediction: Ludogorets individual total under 1
