Ludogorets – Betis : Preview & Prediction
Real Betis, leaders with ten points, need only a draw away to Ludogorets (2nd, seven points) to secure top spot in Group C of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) and advance directly to the round of 16. Ludogorets, who have won 11 consecutive Bulgarian league titles – the longest winning streak in European soccer – are unbeaten in five matches (G4, E1), a good run that allows them to confidently face the difficult challenge of snatching the top spot from the green-and-white team.
The Razgrad Eagles have not been flying high against Spanish opponents, losing each of their last seven duels with LaLiga clubs. It remains to be seen whether that losing streak can come to an end this Thursday at the Huvepharma Arena, where Ludogorets have not dropped a point in the current group stage (G2), although they have never won all three of their home games in a UEL group.
Betis have not lost any of their last five UEL matches (G3, E2) and can string together three away wins in European competition for the first time. Another win and a direct qualification to the round of 16 would reinforce the Sevillian side, which is going through a difficult period in the domestic championship.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side have just one win in their last five official matches (G1, E3, P1), most recently a 2-1 defeat by Atletico Madrid at the Benito Villamarin. Despite the blip, Betis have qualification as top of Group C almost in the bag and already know what it’s like to beat Ludogorets, whom they defeated 3-2 last month in their first meeting against a Bulgarian club.
Key battle: Rick (LUD) and Luiz Henrique (BET), two young Brazilian wingers, will be looking to shine for their respective sides in Razgrad on Thursday. Rick has scored seven of his last nine goals in second halves, and Luiz Henrique has scored the winning goal in eight of his last 13 games in which he has found the back of the net.
Key stat: Betis have gone into halftime trailing at the break in just one of their last 14 away games (break: G2, E11, P1).
Ludogorets – Betis : Betting Tips
Ludogorets – Win Odds: 3.25
