Ludogorets makes historic victory in the Europa League

Ludogorets achieved the first-ever win for a Bulgarian team in Sweden – 2:1 against the powerhouse Malmo. With this result, the “Eagles” begin the group stage of the Europa League with 3 points.

Petar Stanic opened the scoring in the 8th minute from a penalty, awarded for a foul on Edvin Kurtulus in the hosts’ penalty area. Ludogorets continued to dominate and reached a second goal in the 23rd minute. After a scramble in the box following a cross from Stanic, Robin Olsen made a mistake, and the ball fell to Erick Bile, who smashed it into the net. At the end of the first half, the Bulgarian side came close to a third goal, but Caio Vidal was denied by the crossbar.

In the second half, Bile and Caio Vidal missed good chances, and a shot by Petar Stanic was cleared off the goal line. Around the hour mark, Olsen saved two headers from Dinis Almeida.

Malmo pulled one back in the 78th minute through Jonsen, whose shot deflected off Narey’s leg and flew into the net. However, the home side lacked the strength for more, and Ludogorets deservedly claimed the win.