Ludogorets drew 1-1 with Botosani

Ludogorets failed to win their first match of 2025, drawing 1-1 with Botoșani. The "Eagles" coach, Igor Yovichevich, relied on many young players. The 16-year-old Russian, Elisei Surov, who is regarded as one of the most talented prospects in Ludogorets' academy and has already had several appearances with the first team, started the match. In the second half, Ludogorets also featured some interesting names, including 17-year-old Filip Gigov, Metodiy Stefanov, and Rosen Ivanov, who are traditionally part of the second team. The big news was the return of captain Anton Nedyalkov, who had been sidelined with an injury since August.

Ludogorets started the match better, and in the 3rd minute, Jakub Piotrowski made a fantastic diagonal pass to Georgi Rusev, who had joined on the right wing. He controlled the ball with his chest and took a shot, but the ball hit the right-hand post of the Romanian goal and went out for a goal kick. In the 19th minute, Rick Jonathan delivered a cross from a free kick, and Dinis Almeida attempted a header, but it was too weak and didn't trouble Eduard Pap. Botoșani responded with a shot from Adrian Chicha-Rosa in the 22nd minute, which was saved by Sergio Padt. At the end of the first half, Ruan took a shot with his left foot, but it was off target.