Match Overview and Betting Insight
The second-round fixture of the 2025/26 general stage will feature “Ludogorets” (Bulgaria) against “Real Betis” (Spain). This exciting encounter is scheduled for October 2 at the “Ludogorets Arena” in Razgrad. Below, find our comprehensive prediction, betting suggestions, current odds, and key statistics for the “Ludogorets” – “Real Betis” match-up.
Ludogorets’ Recent Performance in Europa League
Ludogorets initiated their main stage campaign with an impressive away victory over Malmö, securing a 2:1 win. After enduring a 9-match winless stretch in the Europa League (comprising 4 draws and 5 defeats), the Bulgarian squad has now clinched two consecutive victories, both with identical scorelines. However, a significant concern for Ludogorets is their inability to keep a clean sheet, having conceded in 6 successive Europa League contests. On the offensive front, the club has managed to find the net in 4 consecutive games within this tournament.
Key Statistics for Ludogorets
- Both teams have scored in 5 of Ludogorets’ last 6 Europa League matches.
- In their home Europa League fixtures, the team has failed to win in 5 of their last 7 outings (1 draw, 4 losses).
- Ludogorets has conceded at least two goals in 5 of their last 7 home games in the Europa League.
Ludogorets’ Probable Starting Lineup (4-3-3)*
Sergio Padt – Son, Dinis Almeida, Edwin Kurtulus, Erik Andersson – Pedro Naressi, Petar Stanić, Deroy Duarte – Erik Bille, Caio Vidal, Erik Marcus.
Ludogorets Team News
Midfielders Ivan Yordanov, Agibou Camara, Kwadwo Duah, and defenders Anton Nedyalkov and Idan Nachmias are currently sidelined due to injuries.
Real Betis’ Form and Europa League Journey
Manuel Pellegrini’s men played out a 2:2 draw at home against Nottingham Forest in the previous round. This stalemate marked their first draw in their last 9 Europa League matches (which include 3 victories and 5 defeats). Real Betis has demonstrated defensive vulnerabilities, having kept only one clean sheet in their previous 9 fixtures in this competition. Despite defensive concerns, the Spanish side has consistently scored, finding the net in 5 of their last 6 Europa League games, notably scoring at least twice in 4 of those encounters.
Key Statistics for Real Betis
- At least one opponent did not score in 6 of Real Betis’ last 8 away Europa League matches.
- In 7 of their last 8 away games in this tournament, the team conceded no more than one goal.
- The club has avoided draws in their last 12 away fixtures in the Europa League (7 wins, 5 losses).
Real Betis’ Probable Starting Lineup (3-4-3)*
Pau López – Nathan, Junior Firpo, Valentín Gómez – Giovani Lo Celso, Sergi Altimira, Sofyan Amrabat, Ángel Ortiz – Abde Ezzalzouli, Antony Matheus, Cédric Bakambu.
Real Betis Team News
Defenders Marc Bartra, Diego Llorente, and midfielder Nélson Deossa are currently unavailable due to injuries.
Referee Profile: Julian Weinberger
Julian Weinberger (Austria) will be the officiating referee for this match.
- Matches Officiated: 9 (International matches, 2024/2025 – 2025/26 season);
- Total Yellow Cards Shown (including second yellows): 44;
- Average Yellow Cards per Match: 4.9;
- Total Red Cards Shown: 1;
- Average Fouls per Match: 25;
- Penalty Award Rate: 33%.
Our Match Prediction: Ludogorets vs Real Betis
The Bulgarian team secured an important away victory in the first round, a somewhat uncommon achievement given their mixed results on the road. Rui Mota’s squad managed to breach the opponent’s defense twice. Ludogorets’ scoring streak in the Europa League has now extended to 4 consecutive matches, with three of these games taking place away from their home ground. Historically, at home, the Bulgarians have scored in 6 of their last 8 matches in this tournament, accumulating a total of 15 goals.
In their last fixture, the Spanish team conceded two goals and could have potentially conceded more. The English opposition created numerous scoring opportunities, highlighting Real Betis’ defensive vulnerabilities. The team has failed to keep a clean sheet in 8 of their last 9 Europa League encounters. Furthermore, even in their domestic league, where the standard of competition can be lower than in European tournaments, Manuel Pellegrini’s side has conceded in 14 consecutive away matches.
Recommended Bet
My prediction for this match is – “Ludogorets Individual Total Over 0.5 Goals” with odds of
1.55
Important Note on Lineups
* The starting lineup listed for each team corresponds to their last match in this tournament.
Mark Thompson
