Ludogorets lost to Slavia Prague 1:2 in first summer friendly

Ludogorets kicked off their summer friendlies in Austria with a defeat. The 14-time Bulgarian champions lost 1:2 to Slavia Prague. The Czech champions took a 2:0 lead before halftime, with goals scored by Hyll in the 13th and 27th minutes — the second from the penalty spot. Both goals came after defensive errors by the “Eagles.”

During the first half, Ludogorets had numerous scoring opportunities, but the Czech goalkeeper’s outstanding saves denied them a goal. The clearest chances fell to Caio Vidal and Erick Marcus, whose shots were miraculously saved. Aslak Fonn Witry also had a good chance to score.

In the second half, Ludogorets coach Rui Mota — for whom this match was an unofficial debut — made numerous substitutions. Erick Bile, who came on as a substitute, reduced the score early in the second half after capitalizing on a scramble in front of Slavia’s goal, set up by an excellent individual effort from Emerson. Ludogorets pressed hard afterward and came close to equalizing several times. Misses came from Ivaylo Chochev and Bernard Tekpetey, and Emerson also had a near miss. At one point, Slavia hit the post with a long-range effort.

New signing Stanislav Ivanov made his debut for Ludogorets, coming on in the 69th minute.

Ludogorets’ next friendly is on June 25, against Polish giants Legia Warsaw.

Ludogorets starting XI vs. Slavia (Prague):
Sergio Padt, Aslak Fonn Witry, Alex Lukanov, Edwin Kurtulus, Simeon Shishkov, Pedro Naressi, Todor Nedelev, Aguibou Camara, Caio Vidal, Erick Marcus, Kwadwo Duah

Second-half substitutes:
Damyan Hristov, Dinis Almeida, Son, Chochev, Ivan Yordanov, Elisey Sarov, Emerson, Bernard Tekpetey, Erick Bile, Methodiy Stefanov, Filip Gigov, Stanislav Ivanov, and Nasko Yanev.