The first leg of the 2025/26 Champions League third qualifying round between Ludogorets (Bulgaria) and Ferencvaros (Hungary) will take place on August 6 at the Ludogorets Arena in Razgrad. Ludogorets vs. Ferencvaros: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Ludogorets
Rui Mota's side has already navigated through two stages of Champions League qualification, requiring extra time in both ties. In the first round, the Bulgarians overcame Dinamo Minsk (1-0 and 1-2, extra time 1-0), and in the second round, they defeated Rijeka (0-0 and 1-1, extra time 2-0). Notably, in the return leg against the Croatians, Ludogorets had two players more during extra time due to opponents' dismissals. Last season, the club also advanced through two qualifying rounds before falling to Qarabag in the third round, again needing extra time.
- The club has not won in regular time in 8 of their last 12 Champions League games (3 draws and 5 losses).
- At home in this competition, Ludogorets has not lost in 90 minutes in 12 of their last 14 matches (9 wins and 3 draws).
- The Bulgarians have scored at least two goals in regular time in 9 of their last 13 home Champions League matches.
Predicted lineup for Ludogorets (4-3-3)
Hendrik Bonmann – Anton Nedyalkov, Olivier Verdon, Son, Edwin Kurtulus – Pedro Naressi, Jakub Piotrowski, Petar Stanic – Erik Markus, Bernard Tekpetey, Caio Vidal.
Ferencvaros
Robbie Keane's team started from the second qualifying round of the Champions League. They managed to overcome Noah in both matches, defeating the Armenians 2-1 away and 4-3 at home. It should be noted that the Hungarians have won 4 of their last 6 matches in this competition (1 draw and 1 loss). A year ago, the team also started from the second qualifying round of the Champions League but did not advance beyond the third stage, losing to Midtjylland (1-1 and 0-2).
- The club has not lost in regular time in 8 of their last 11 Champions League matches (5 wins and 3 draws).
- Both teams scored in 9 of Ferencvaros' last 13 matches in this competition.
- The team has not lost in regular time in 6 of their last 7 away Champions League matches (3 wins and 3 draws).
Predicted lineup for Ferencvaros (3-4-3)
Denes Dibus – Gabor Szalai, Stefan Gartenmann, Toon Raemaekers – Callum O'Dowda, Chebrail Makreckis, Bence Etves, Alex Toth – Jonathan Levi, Lenny Joseph, Aleksandar Pesic.
Referee
Espen Eskas (Norway)
Matches – 14 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 58;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.1;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 29%.
Ludogorets vs. Ferencvaros: Match Prediction
These opponents can be considered evenly matched in terms of strength. Both have ample experience in European competitions, particularly in the main rounds, so in the upcoming encounter, I believe the home advantage will be crucial. The Bulgarians have a solid record at home in the Champions League, with 9 wins, 3 draws, and only 2 losses in their last 14 matches.
Ferencvaros, on the other hand, has won only 3 of their last 9 away Champions League matches (3 draws and 3 losses). During this period, the Hungarians defeated relatively weaker opponents – Noah, New Saints, and Slovan. Therefore, I suggest backing the home team with a handicap, as the Bulgarians will likely try to establish a lead in the home leg.
My prediction – Ludogorets with a handicap (0)
