Ludogorets lost to Royal Antwerp

Ludogorets suffered a loss in their first Europa League match. The team lost 1:2 to Royal Antwerp. The coach included six Bulgarian players. The guest team had a better presence on the pitch throughout the first half. Plamen Iliev and a bit of luck prevented a couple of goals. Ludogorets also created a few goal situations. A penalty kick in Ludogorets favor was denied by the referee after De Laet played with his hand. Despodov had to be replaced by Manu at the end of the first half due to an injury.

Ludogorets picked up the pace in the second half. Marin received the ball from Manu and scored the first goal. Manu then sent the ball to Oliveira but he missed the gate. This happened again but the gatekeeper reacted once more. The Belgians took the initiative and created an attack in the 61^st minute. Iliev kicked the ball back. Gerkens took advantage of the situation and scored. Santana made a mistake later and Refaelov was left alone against the gatekeeper. He turned the tables and scored. Iliev saved a couple more situations and later Gerkens hit the woodwork. The home team tried to make the score even but it didn’t happen.

Meanwhile, Tottenham defeated 3:0 LASK Linz. Moura scored in the 18^th minute followed by Andrade’s own goal and Son’s goal at the end of the match.

LUDOGORETS – ROYAL ANTWERP 1:2

1:0 Marin (47')
1:1 Gerkens (63')
1:2 Refaelov (70')

LUDOGORETS: Iliev, Cicinho, Verdon, Terziev, Nedyalkov, Badji (Anicet), Santana, Yankov (Tekpetey), Oliveyra (Keseru), Marin, Despodov (Manu)

ROYAL ANTWERP: Butez, De Laet, Juklerod, Refaelov (Buta), Gerkens, Hongla (Verstraete), Miyoshi, Batubinsika, Benavente (Ampomah), Gelin, Harun

Yellow cards: Сисиньо, Оливие Вердон (Лудогорец); Симен Юклерод, Фарис Харун (Антверпен). Cicinho, Verdon (Ludogorets)l Juklerod, Harun (Royal Antwerp).