Ludogorets host Real Betis tonight in their second UEFA Europa League game, hoping to beat the Spanish visitors and keep their unbeaten start to the season. Betis, boosted by a 2-0 league win and a goal from Moroccan international winger Abde Ezzalzouli over the weekend, will look to take control early and claim their first European win of the campaign.
Match Details
Fixture: Real Betis vs Ludogorets Razgrad
Competition: UEFA Europa League, League Stage
Venue: Huvepharma Arena, Razgrad (Bulgaria)
Date: Thursday, October 2
Kick-off: 17:45 (GMT+1)
How to Watch: BeIN Sports 5 MENA, TNT Sports (UK), M+ Liga de Campeones (Spain)
Real Betis Team News
Injuries: The Andalusian side travels without several key players. Defenders Marc Bartra and Diego Llorente are sidelined (muscle issues), playmaker Isco is out with a broken leg, and midfielder Nelson Deossa is also unavailable
Squad changes: Manager Manuel Pellegrini is expected to rotate some positions after a 2-0 league win on Sunday. Backup goalkeeper Álvaro Valles may start in place of Pau López
In midfield, Moroccan star Sofyan Amrabat, who joined Betis on loan this summer, should anchor the center of the midfield. He could be partnered by Marc Roca as Betis look to control possession.
Up front, 22-year-old Moroccan winger Abde Ezzalzouli is expected to start on the left wing after scoring in the win over Osasuna, while former Manchester United Brazilian winger Antony will likely play on the opposite wing.
Predicted lineup: Valles; Bellerín, Natan, V. Gómez, Firpo; Amrabat, Roca; Antony, Riquelme, Ezzalzouli; Bakambu.
Ludogorets Team News
Injuries: The Bulgarian champions have a few absences. Injured midfielder Aguibou Camara remains out, and both center-back Georgi Terziev and forward Kwadwo Duah are not in the Europa League squad due to injury issues.
Squad notes: Coach Rui Mota might adjust his back line if Andersson is unfit, captain Anton Nedyalkov could shift to left-back with Son moving over to right-back to cover.
Predicted lineup: Padt; Son, Almeida, Kurtulus, Nedyalkov; Naressi, Stanić, Duarte; Marcus, Vidal, Bile.
What to Expect
Betis are chasing their first Europa League win after a 2–2 draw in their opener. They’re unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions, including a 2–0 victory over Osasuna.
Wingers like Abde Ezzalzouli are expected to drive early attacks, while Amrabat anchors the midfield.
Ludogorets enter the match unbeaten in six games, including a 2-1 away win over Malmö. Playing at home in Razgrad, they will be looking to take the game the Spanish side, despite being the inferior team on paper.
Safe Calls
- Both Teams to Score: YES – Betis have seen both teams score in 6 of their 8 games this season, and Ludogorets are scoring freely (12 goals in their last 6 matches). So, each side is likely to score in this game.
- Over 2.5 Goals: Likely.
- Ezzalzouli to score or assist: yes, the Moroccan international is in his best form after coming out of an injury; he scored twice and assisted once this season.
- Real Betis to Win or Draw: Betis are favored despite playing away. Ludogorets have never beaten Spanish opposition in nine attempts.
- Prediction: Real Betis 2-0 Ludogorets
