The Ludogorets – Shakhtyor Soligorsk match is the 100^th game for the Bulgarian champions in the European club tournaments. The ten-time champion debuted in Europe on July 19, 2012, in a match against Dinamo Zagreb (1:1). It was part of the second preliminary round of the Champions League. Ludogorets has won 33 of the 99 matches so far. The team lost 38 times and achieved an even score in the rest 28 matches.

Ludogorets achieved remarkable success in Europe in the past nine years. The club also broke several records. Apart from entering the Champions League group phase twice, the team defeated 1:0 Basel on October 22, 2014.

The club has been part of the Europa League group phase five times in total. Ludogorets qualified for the eliminations phase three times and even reached a 1/8 finals match.

PFC Ludogorets would like to thank the coaches, the players, and all the team members for their effort and professionalism showed. They all shaped the club’s identity and put Ludogorets on the European football map. Let’s have many similar moments together!

Three of the greatest Ludogorets players ever – Svetoslav Dyakov, Cosmin Moti, and Vladislav Stoyanov, said goodbye to the fans before the Ludogorets vs Shakhtyor match. They received special plaquettes from the club’s president – Alexander Alexandrov.

“I came here with no expectations but I am leaving with a full heart and a few titles”, Dyakov said. He posted photos with all trophies won, as well as with his family. He has already returned to his hometown team – Pirin.

Moti became Ludogorets’ technical director, and Stoyanov will become a scout in the club’s academy. His career as a player has ended.

The Ludogorets coach Valdas Dambrauskas spoke at a press conference prior to the match against Shakhtyor.

„I think Ludogorets is as prepared as the team should be. We trained for a month. We tried to perfect everyone and we also know enough about our competitor. Motivation is key. We will work after this match as well. We did great in the last trial match against LASK Linz”, the Lithuanian said.

„Everyone is available except for Santana who has a red card. Higinio is on an individual program and he has progressed. I have everyone else available”, continued Dambrauskas.

„Rotariu hasn’t trained a lot with the rest of the team. Anicet joined last. I have decided not to include them“, added the specialist.

„It is difficult to briefly describe the competitor. They are experienced and have their own style. I followed them last season because of some of their players. They know how to win and they often do it in the last minutes. They have 14 wins this season. We need to find their weaknesses“, обяви Дамбраускас.

„Every coach needs to improve things and we worked on what we had to change. We kept the good practices. We did not reach the level we needed to have. The upcoming match is different compared to the ones in Austria. We will need to put in more effort. I have always wanted my team to stand against a competitor who was about to have their first official match for the season. The key will be the number of mistakes both teams allow.“, продължи Дамбраускас.

„It is important to have depth in our rows. We will play a dozen matches in six weeks. We need to use all the resources we have. 11 players are simply not enough “, завърши Дамбраускас.

The new team captain of Ludogorets Anton Nedyalkov spoke at a press conference.

„I am thankful to the coach, the players, and the club management for choosing me to be the captain. I have earned it and I know how responsible this is. I would like everyone to learn in time that I am the type of leader who can encourage and point out mistakes at the same time.“, Nedyalkov said.

„We had 15 days to rest and a month of preparation. We did good and I want us to perform magnificent tonight“, the player added.

„We were not that successful last season and now we want to upgrade Ludogorets’ image on the European scene. We now know what to do. Both teams we will stand against soon are equally matched. We had only a single game to qualify last year. Now, they are two and we are calmer than before.“, the defender said.

Dear Ludogorets fans,

PFC Ludogorets would like to ask everyone to follow the safety measures described on signs upon entry into the Huvepharma Arena stadium.

The club management encourages everyone to come as early as possible to avoid the possible commotion. The police will make sure everyone’s ticket matches their ID.

Tickets are available online at https://tickets.ludogorets.com and at the ticket point on Vasil Levski Str.

Important note! Everyone needs to carry a valid ID.

Every fan must carry a signed COVID-19 awareness declaration which is given with the ticket or downloaded via the link above. The declarations must be strictly filled in.

The club also kindly asks fans to keep their distance and sit where they are supposed to. Wearing a face mask is obligatory.

Please follow the stewards’ instructions. Fans in a drunk state, as well as those carrying pyrotechnics, dangerous objects, spray cans, and lighters, will not be allowed to enter. Racist chanting is prohibited. All fans are subject to thorough checks upon entry.

The stadium will be opened at 6 PM on July 7^th.

Let’s all gather and say farewell to Moti, Dyakov, and Stoyanov on Wednesday. They helped the team experience the emotion of being part of the Champions League and to win the championship title ten times in a row.

Dyakov, Moti, and Stoyanov will no longer wear the Ludogorets player outfit. Still, they will forever be a part of the club’s history.

We must all gather at the stadium on Wednesday and say goodbye to them in a proper way. Let’s get together and sat “Thank you, legends”!

The first Champions League preliminary round match between Ludogorets and Belarus’ champion Shakhtyor (Soligorsk) is scheduled for July 7^th at 8:00 PM at Huvepharma Arena stadium.

The rematch date will become clear next week.