Ludogorets will face Dinamo Minsk after losing in Batumi

Ludogorets have qualified for the second qualifying round of the Champions League, where they will face Belarusian leaders Dinamo Minsk. This became a fact after a lot of pain in Batumi, where the local Dinamo defeated the native champion with the insufficient 1:0. The Georgians had strong first 20 minutes, scoring a goal, having another disallowed, and hitting the crossbar. The side post helped Sergio Padt once again, who had a very strong game.

The coach of the Eagles, Georgi Dermendzhiev, made three changes to his line-up in contrast to the first match. Surprisingly, former Levski defender Noah Sonko Sundberg came out instead of Olivier Verdon. Anton Nedyalkov, who left with an adductor injury in the first match against the Georgians, was replaced by Son, and Jakub Piotrowski came on for Todor Nedelev. The Pole, who acted in front of Pedro Naressi and Ivaylo Chochev, was also wearing the captain's armband. Also in the group was Kwadwo Duah, who was the last to join his teammates due to his Euro 2024 commitments with Switzerland team.

Dinamo Batumi took the lead in the 3rd minute. Dinis Almeida didn't do well after a cross from the right, laying the ball to Mamuchishvili. The Georgian shot powerfully, the ball ricocheted in Almeida and entered the net of Sergio Padt, who did not move - 1:0 for the hosts. After only 6 minutes, the Georgians scored a second goal. He was again the work of Mamuchishvili. Fortunately, the goal was disallowed after the intervention of VAR, as there was a foul on Sonko Sundberg in the attack. Dinamo Batumi continued to attack and in the 12th minute, Gudushauri got behind the defense, but his cross found the target. Seconds later, Vanderson crossed beautifully from the left and team-mates Harabadze and Mamuchishvili collided in an attempt to score. Eventually the ball hit Sergio Padt's net. The home side's pressure continued and in the 19th minute, Gudushauri outran Dinish Almeida and shot, but Padt saved.

Ludogorets only got their head up in the 21st minute when Rick found Tekpetey well in the Dinamo Batumi penalty area, but his powerful shot missed the target. At the end of the first half, the Eagles came very close to equalizing after Aslack Von Witry crossed well for Rwan. The Brazilian shoots but hits the crossbar.

Georgi Dermendzhiev's side started the second half better, with Tekpetey and Rick trying their sights but without seriously troubling home goalkeeper Ricardo Silva.

After an hour of play, Gudushauri created a shooting lane and a dangerous shot, but Padt showed his class and saved with one hand. In the 80th minute, Mamuchishvili also shot, but he did not hinder Sergio Padt in any way. Shortly after, Ludogorets leader Jakub Piotrowski asked for a replacement. As is known, he did not train with the Eagles because he played 2 matches for Poland at Euro 2024. He was replaced by debutant Deroy Duarte.

In the 85th minute, the reserve Caio Vidal also tried his aim, but unfortunately for the visitors - inaccurate. However, the drama was yet to come. In the 89th minute, Mamuchishvili found Honore Gomis well, who shot hard diagonally, but the crossbar was saved for the second time by Sergio Padt.

In the last seconds, fans in the stands, dissatisfied with the overall result, threw various objects at the goalkeeper of Ludogorets.