Ludogorets head coach Rui Mota gave a press conference ahead of the second-leg match against Rijeka.

"We analyzed the first match in Croatia. We know what needs improvement. We hope to execute our game plan. Naturally, after the first game in Rijeka, we were hoping for a better result there. We’ve worked hard on the aspects that need refining. I hope we perform at our best. Playing at home is different—everything around you helps. The most important thing is to show that we have confidence and to make sure things go our way," said Mota.

"We had some issues with players in recent weeks, but most of them have returned. I need all my players in order for us to give our best," the coach of the reigning champions added.

He was asked whether the fact that Dominik Yankov knows Ludogorets well could be an advantage for Rijeka. "Dominik is a player who knows every corner of this home. But this is a new season, a new coach, and the team plays differently. I don’t think it’s an advantage for them. If anything, we know him better individually. It's more of an advantage to neutralize a single player than an entire team," he said.

"We’re aware of the situations and the problems we had in the previous matches. The players know what they need to improve—we need to score more goals than the opponent. This is an important match because it gives us a path to Europe. It’s very important. We’re working hard to make sure everything goes right," Mota concluded.

Ludogorets winger Bernard Tekpetey spoke ahead of the second-leg clash with Rijeka.

“We analyzed the first match. Now, this is a different game. We're motivated, we're playing at home. The mood and the expectations are different. We hope to win,” Tekpetey began.

“I feel good, and I want to play in Europe. That’s very important to me. After the injuries, everything is fine now, even mentally,” said the Ludogorets forward.

“I’m improving in every position the coach puts me in. I’m a team player, and I thank God for the life I have. Over the years, we've been missing just that final step to reach the Champions League. The most important thing is that we believe — and the most important match is ahead of us, and we have to win it. Every year since I’ve been here, we stumble right before making it to the Champions League,” Tekpetey said.

He also called on the fans to show up and support the team: “We love them, and I want them to love us too.”