Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League Qualifying match.
On 6 August, in the semi-finals of the Champions League qualifiers, Ludogorets Razgrad will host Ferencváros in Razgrad. Both sides will battle until the final whistle for a coveted place in Europe’s premier club competition.
Ludogorets Razgrad
Ludogorets Razgrad advanced to this stage with a bit of good fortune, having edged past HNK Rijeka in the quarter-finals (1:1 and 3:1). They were boosted by two red cards shown to the opposition in the second leg, which paved the way for their success in extra time. However, their fans are unlikely to feel fully reassured heading into this clash with Ferencváros. Their latest domestic fixture, a 2:1 win over FC Dobrudzha Dobrich, highlighted some worrying signs at the back, as they conceded despite allowing only three shots on target.
Ferencváros
Ferencváros, on the other hand, came through a thrilling two-legged encounter against FC Noah, winning 2:1 away and 4:3 at home. These results also point to defensive frailties, and it’s unrealistic to expect those issues to be resolved in the space of a single week. With the pressure mounting as the tournament progresses, it seems unlikely either squad will adopt a fully attacking approach on this occasion.
Ludogorets Razgrad vs Ferencváros Prediction
Both teams appear evenly matched, and a cautious first leg is anticipated. A high-scoring match is not expected, and neither side looks set to secure victory within the regulation 90 minutes. A draw seems the most probable result.
