The dominator in Bulgarian football for the last 13 years, “Ludogorets” defeated the Moldovan “Petrocub” 4:0 at home and will most likely continue in the Europa League after dropping out of the Champions League.
The first goal was scored by Swiss national Kwadwo Dua, who played in the European Championship this summer.
He headed home in the 23rd minute after a pass from Caio Vidal.
Moments later, Von Vitry headed the crossbar from a free kick.
“Ludogorets” completely outplayed its captain before the break, having 74% possession of the ball, the ratio of shots on goal was 16:1, and 7:0 from corner kicks.
In the second half, the pressure from the hosts continued and in the end the expected second goal fell after a great strike from 22 meters by Ruan Cruz.
Shortly before that, a Moldovan goal was disallowed due to an ambush.
In the added time of the match, the “green” defender Dinish Almeida scored twice.
First, he was the smartest after a very well executed direct free kick by substitute Todor Nedelev, which “Petrocub” goalkeeper Silviu Smalenea managed to block, but was helpless in the addition.
Then Dinish demonstrated his trademark performance – a wonderful rebound and a powerful header after a cross from a corner kick.
The second leg is in a week in Moldova.
If “Ludogorets” continues, it will become part of the new scheme in the Europa League and will secure 8 matches with 8 different teams – four at home and as many away, which ensures the Bulgarian representative in Europe until January next year.
Here are the starting lineups of the two teams at the stadium in Razgrad.
“Ludogorets”: Sergio Padt, Aslak von Vitry, Edwin Kurtulush, Dinis Almeida, Son, Jakub Piotrowski, Pedro Naresi, Rick Jonathan, Ruan Kroos, Kwadwo Dua, Caio Vidal.
“Petrocub”: Silviu Smalenea, Jon Bors, Victor Mudrak, Sergiu Platica, Jon Jordan, Mihail Platica, Theodore Lungu, Corneliu Coruntu, Vasile Jordan, Vladimir Ambros, Marin Coruntu.