Ludogorets vs Roma

Last season’s Europa Conference League winners Roma take a trip to the Huvepharma Arena to take on Ludogorets in their opening Europa League Group C game.

Ludogorets’ sixth successive Europa League group stage appearance comes on the back of their 11th Bulgarian title on the bounce. Following back-to-back group phase exits, the perennial Bulgarian champions have a point to prove in a competitive-looking Group C. Despite winning their last three competitive home outings, the ‘Eagles’ are going up against the odds in this one. Ludogorets’ frustrating run of four consecutive Europa League defeats against Italian clubs explains their underdog status in this fixture. On top of that, excluding qualifiers, Ante Simundza’s men head into proceedings on the back of an 18-match winless run in this competition (D4, L14), including defeats in two of their three home group stage games last season (D1). With a clean sheet accompanying each of their six competitive home triumphs this term, keeping things tight at the back could be crucial for Ludogorets.

On the other hand, Jose Mourinho led Roma to their first European silverware last season, beating Feyenoord 1-0 in the maiden Europa Conference League edition. Now back into Europe’s second-tier competition for the third time in four years, ‘I Giallorossi’ are looking to maintain their 100% progression rate from the Europa League group stages (4/4). Inspired by their rock-solid overall record against Bulgarian teams in European football (W7, D1, L2), Roma will also aim to put an embarrassing 4-0 Serie A defeat at Udinese firmly behind. With Mourinho racking up seven victories from as many European contests against Bulgarian sides as a manager, the visitors seem ready to roll in Razgrad.