Ludogorets beats Dinamo with a goal from Kaloc

Ludogorets secured a hard-fought 1:0 win over Dinamo Minsk in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round in Razgrad. The hero was new Czech midfielder Filip Kaloc, who scored just three minutes before the end of the match. "The Eagles" hit the woodwork twice — through Dinis Almeida and Erick Marcus, while Aguibou Camara suffered an injury and was substituted as early as the 20th minute.

In the 12th minute, after a poor clearance by Dinamo’s defense, the ball fell to Aguibou Camara, who unleashed a powerful shot. It was brilliantly saved by the Belarusian goalkeeper, and on the rebound, Dinis Almeida struck the crossbar. The visitors responded with a lightning-fast counterattack, ending with a save by Padt against Mustafa Dzimit, who went one-on-one after a mistake by Son.

Bad news came shortly after for Rui Mota, as Aguibou Camara sustained a serious injury and had to leave the field with the help of the medical team. Todor Nedelev came on in his place.

In the 33rd minute, the hosts created a great attacking move involving Nedelev, Piotrowski, and Tekpetey, but just before shooting, the Ghanaian slipped and his attempt was very weak. In the 42nd minute, Nedelev delivered a superb cross, but Dinis Almeida and Jakub Piotrowski failed to capitalize on the excellent chance.

Early in the second half, Bernard Tekpetey showed his class, dribbled past a Dinamo Minsk defender, and fired a shot, but missed the target. The crossbar denied Ludogorets a second time in the 55th minute — this time, Erick Marcus launched a real rocket, but once again the bar kept the hosts from scoring.

Fate finally smiled on Ludogorets in the 87th minute. The decisive goal came from Filip Kaloch, the new signing. Todor Nedelev played a brilliant through ball to Son, who delivered a low cross into the box, and the Czech midfielder, joining the attack, scored a masterful goal — 1:0.

The second leg will take place next Wednesday in the Hungarian town of Mezokovesd, where the Belarusians are hosting their European matches.