Ludogorets lost 0:2 in Prishtina

Bulgarian champion  Ludogorets lost to the leader of Kosovo - Ballkani, in a match of the first qualifying round of the Champions League - 0:2.

The first shot of the match was made by Aslak von Witry after only a few seconds of play, but it was not accurate. Then Kiril Despodov broke through the center of the Kosovar defence, but was blocked just before passing to Tissera. The hosts had their first shot in the 17th minute, with Kuch finding a gap in the defence, but it was not accurate. Five minutes later after a short corner the ball ricocheted into Kiril Despodov, but fortunately Sergio Padt was prompt and cleared. In the 23rd minute, the Balkan players requested a penalty for a handball on Franco Russo, but the referee, Guy Leibovitz, judged that there was no reason to point to the penalty spot.

Ivaylo Petev received bad news after about half an hour of play. Right back Aslak von Witry suffered an injury and was replaced by Gonzalo Avila-Pipa. In the 34th minute, Gripshi shot dangerously, but was again not accurate.

Ballkani took the lead in the continuation of the first part. After another breakthrough from the left of the home attack, the ball was sent to the other flank, where Korenica shot, the ball ricocheted into Marcel Heister and became unsaveable for Sergio Padt.

At the beginning of the second half, Ballkani could have scored a goal, as Padt saved Gripshi's shot. It happened in the 55th minute. Then, after committing a foul, Zyuba was completely forgotten at the second post and headed the ball between the legs of Sergio Padt. In the 62nd minute, the Dutch guard made a great save after denying Kuch who came against him.

Ludogorets made his first accurate shot in the 68th minute. Then, after a cross from a corner, Naressi headed in, but Kulici nailed the ball on the goal line. In the 84th minute, the Eagles made their best attack of the game as Gonsalves back-heeled Dominik Yankov, but his shot hit the post.

The second game is next Wednesday in Razgrad at 21:00.