Ludogorets missed a good chance to defeat Zurich

Ludogorets missed the chance to win against Zurich in the last UEFA Europa League A group game. The final score was 1:1 and Antoni Zdravkov’s team had a total supremacy. What deprived them from the chance to win was a series of missed opportunities.

The first half was one of the strongest performances for the team this season in Europa League. The champions outplayed the Swiss team and had a great chance to take the lead before the half time. The first situation was in the 13th minute when Swierczok attempted a goal but the keeper saved. Marcelinho missed the gate in the following shuffle. The Polish player tried to pass to Wanderson in the penalty zone but the Brazilian did not receive the ball. Zurich took the lead in the 22nd minute after Odey scored with his head from a close distance. Ludogorets immediately reacted and pushed their competitor back to the penalty zone. Swierczok missed again in the 28th minute despite being alone against the keeper. Natanael sent the ball into the woodwork after a kick from the penalty point. The Swiss team made a mistake in the defense line in the 45th minute and this time Swierczok scored, making the result 1:1.

After the half time Ludogorets’ players were eager to win and they tried everything they can to achieve it. Cicinho and Keseru both had their chances to score, as well as Nedyalkov, but they all were not able to do it.

This is the first time when Ludogorets were unable to pass the Europa League group phase.

LUDOGORETS - ZURICH 1:1

0:1 Odey (21')
1:1 Swierczok (45' +1)

Ludogorets: Broun, Cicinho, Terziev, Nedyalkov, Forster, Dyakov (81 – Sasha), Goralski, Wanderson (88 – Bakalov), Marcelinho, Swierczok (72 – Keseru)

Zurich – Vanins, Palsson, Winter, Guenouche, Domgjoni, Odey (89 – Nef), Bangura, Kryeziu, Dixon (46 – Krasniqi), Kololli (75 – Rodriguez), Khelifi

Yellow cards: Forster, Goralski (Ludogorets); Dixon, Kryeziu (Zurich).