Ludogorets lost 0:3 to Ukraine’s champion Shakhtar (Donetsk). This was the first lost for the team since the beginning of their summer training. Shakhtar was also the strongest competitor so far.

This was a debut game for Shakhtar’s new coach Luis Castro who took Paulo Fonseca’s place. This fact motivated the Ukranians. They also honored Ludogorets by mentioning on their website that they were about to play against Bulgaria’s champion for eight consecutive years. They also pointed out the main players – Marcelinho, Wanderson, Keseru and Swierczok.

Shakhtar took the lead in the third minute. Marcelinho made a mistake in the field center and Tete received the ball by Moraes. He scored in Renan’s gate. Ludogorets tried to apply pressure. Ikoko made an attempt to score but it was not good enough. Tchibota also tried after that, but he was not accurate. Trubin kicked the ball back after that but it went straight to Kovachev’s feet. The young player hesitated and a Shakhtar defender intervened.

The second goal was scored in the 28^th minute when the ex-CSKA player Moraes passed to Patrick who scored easily. Shakhtar was close to a third goal five minutes after that.

Ludogorets was also about to score in the 52^nd minute when Biton kicked the ball from a corner and Moti jumped the highest in order to receive it, but his attempt to score after that was not accurate. Ten minutes later Ismaili almost scored but Renan was able to save. The third goal was scored in the 72^nd minute. Taison sent e powerful shot from a 25-meter distance and Renan did not react in the best possible way and the ball went to Sikan, who scored easily. There was a fourth goal later, but it was cancelled due to an offside situation.

Ludogorets tried to score at least one goal and they did just before the game ended. Keseru’s goal was also cancelled due to an offside situation. Yankov almost scored in the 90^th minute but the experienced keeper saved.

Wanderson, Grigore, Goralski and Swierczok were not part of the team composition. There is only one trial game left – against Botosani.

The game against Shakhtar was personally attended by the Ludogorets owners Kiril Domuschiev and Georgi Domuschiev.