Ludogorets beat CSKA 1948 and is in the semifinals of the Bulgarian Cup

Ludogorets is the last semi-finalist for the Bulgarian Cup, beating CSKA 1948 3:1 in Razgrad. On the top in the repeat of last season's tournament final was Todor Nedelev, who scored two goals, but then got injured. Pedrinho reduced it with a beautiful goal, but Rick, who also had a strong game, killed the intrigue with a goal for 3:1. In the semi-final, the champions will meet Hebar.

The coach of the Eagles Georgi Dermendzhiev could not count on the suspended Bernard Tekpetey. He rested Sergio Padt, Sonko Sundberg and Claude Gonsalves, and it is noteworthy that Dinis Almeida played for the first time as a starter in an official match for the champions. As known, he suffered a serious injury during the winter break in January 2022 and actually made his debut for Ludogorets yesterday. Thus, the difference between his last official match (December 27, 2022 for Antwerp) and the first for Ludogorets is exactly 429 days. Ivaylo Chochev, brought to Razgrad a few days ago by CSKA 1948, was left on the bench.

Ludogorets started intensely and could have taken the lead in the 6th minute. Rwan found himself in an excellent position, but his shot was blocked with an excellent split by Reyan Daskalov. Shortly after, Pedrinho fired with his right foot, but without making it difficult for Simon Sluga. A response from Ludogorets immediately followed, with Todor Nedelev volleying home. The ball ricocheted into a CSKA 1948 defender and missed the target. This was followed by a very strong intervention by Emil Viachki, who stopped a goal shot by Rwan with a self-sacrificing split.

The logical thing happened in the 17th minute. Then Todor Nedelev executed a magnificent free kick, sending the ball into the upper right corner of Gennadiy Ganev - 1:0 for the champions. Then Nedelev crossed from a corner for Rwan, who outran the Reds' defense but missed the goal. Another pass followed for the hosts. It was Rick who failed to complete a nice break of his own.

In the 36th minute, Caio Vidal made it difficult for Gennady Ganev to the limit. The goalkeeper shot, but on the crossbar. At the following corner, Dinis Almeida twice tried to send the ball into the visitors' goal, but was blocked.

The second half started with a bang for the hosts. Todor Nedelev scored his second goal in the match. He met a deflected ball and shot hard on the ground, the ball ricocheted into Emil Viachki and ended up in Gennadiy Ganev's net - 2:0. A little later, Nedelev elegantly led Rwan, who was unable to pass Ganev.

In the 51st minute, Tallis could have reduced CSKA 1948's deficit, but his shot found the net. However, this happened in the 57th minute. Then Pedrinho with an incredible shot left Simon Sluga no chance, bringing the Reds back into the game.

A little later, Todor Nedelev tried to surprise Ganev with a foul, but this time the goalkeeper saved. The players of CSKA 1948 again looked at the goal of Simon Sluga, but the Croatian saved Birsent Karagaren's shot.

In the 70th minute, Todor Nedelev sat on the ground, feeling pain in his left leg. A quick intervention by the medical staff followed, but the playmaker was judged to be out of the game. The extent of his injury remains to be seen.

Ten minutes before the end of the match, Son could have put an end to the dispute with a long shot, which did not find the target. In the 81st minute it was all over. Jakub Piotrowski led Rick alone against the goalkeeper, the Brazilian went around Gennadiy Ganev and slid the ball into the net - 3:1.

On Sunday, the two teams play each other in a championship game.