Ludogorets was able to score only one goal in the game against Zrinjski. ‘The Eagles’ missed a lot of situations but they were the better team in this game. The rematch will not be easy but they still have an advantage.
The home team coach Paulo Autuori used all of his best players. Renan was guarding the gate, with Cicinho, Moti, Forster and Natanael in front of him. Sasha was next to Dyakov, and between them and the attacker Keseru were Wanderson, Marcelinho and Lukoki. Misidjan has a penalty after the red card in Hungary and this is why Lukoki took his place.
Ludogorets applied some pressure on their competitor immediately after the start. Lukoki passed to Keseru in the 8th minute and the Romanian players kicked the ball with his left foot, sending it above the gate. Four minutes later Lukoki passed to Wanderson, who sent the ball to Keseru, but he missed again.
Ludogorets scored in the 16th minute. Wanderson kicked the ball towards the center from the corner point. The keeper tried to catch it, but Moti was faster and scored with his head for 1:0. Not long after that the Bosnians had the chance to make the score even. Todorovic sent a powerful shot in the 26th minute, but Renan saved. Cirjak also tried to score, but Ludogorets’ keeper showed his skills again. Keseru missed an opportunity in the 42nd minute after Lukoki passed the ball to him, but the keeper kicked it back. Sasha had the chance to add a goal during the following corner shot, but he missed the gate. Marcelinho also had the chance to score in the end of the first half, but the ball went above the crossbar.
Ludogorets slowed down the pace in the second half and decided to keep their gate safe. However, they tried to score a second goal. Natanael outplayed three defenders in the 70th minute and passed to Marcelinho who kicked it, but it made a ricochet and did not reach the other team’s gate. Ludogorets had two very good opportunities. The keeper Soldo was able to save Keseru’s attempt. The rematch is scheduled for 16th of August in Siroki Brijeg.

LUDOGORETS – ZRINJSKI (MOSTAR) 1:0

1:0 Moti (16')

Ludogorets: Renan, Cicinho, Moti, Forster, Natanael, Sasha (78’ – Campanharo), Dyakov (67’ – Goralski), Lukoki, Marcelinho, Wanderson (82’ – Paulo), Keseru

Zrinjski: Soldo, Vrljicak (78’ – Perisic), Jakovlevic, Kadusic, Cirjak, Lastro, Jovic (85’ – Stanic), Peer, Todorovic (75’ – Bilbija), Filipovic, Bekkric

Yellow cards: Cicinho (Ludogorets); Kadusic (Zrinjski)