Ludogorets secures big win in the Europa League

Ludogorets achieved a spectacular victory in the Europa League, beating Celta 3-2! This was the first success for the “Eagles” against the Spaniards in 11 attempts, as well as the first win for a Bulgarian team over a Spanish team since 1991, when Slavia defeated Osasuna 1-0. The hero for Ludogorets was Serbian striker Petar Stanic, who scored a hat-trick against the visiting team. The match also marked the home debut of the new Ludogorets coach, Per-Mathias Hogmo.

In the 9th minute, Petar Stanic delivered a brilliant pass to Ivan Yordanov, who broke behind the defense but missed the chance to shoot. Seconds later, Ludogorets was awarded a penalty. Caio Vidal had been set up behind the defense with a perfect pass from Pedro Naressi and was fouled by Manuel Fernandes. Petar Stanic stepped up and calmly sent the Celta goalkeeper the wrong way, scoring his third goal in this season’s Europa League.

The visitors had a chance to equalize in the 13th minute, but Bonmann saved a powerful shot from Moriba. After half an hour, Ilaix Moriba jumped high and headed the ball, but straight at Bonmann. Four minutes later, Caio Vidal tried his luck, but his shot was far off target.

In the 36th minute, Vidal missed a huge opportunity. He took advantage of a gross mistake by Joel Lago and found himself completely alone in front of goalkeeper Villar but failed to score. This was a key moment in the match. As known, Caio Vidal, one of Ludogorets’ best players, has yet to score this season. Seven minutes later, Celta came very close to scoring. El-Abdelawi broke through on the left and found Feran Jutgla, who passed the ball to young Arcos, but his shot went wide. This was the Spaniards’ clearest chance in the first half.

At the start of the second half, Stanic found himself in an excellent position, but Celta defender Joel Lago cleared the ball at the last moment, preventing a clean goal. After the resulting corner and a short sequence, the ball fell to Petar Stanic, who hit a powerful shot, leaving Villar with no chance – 2-0!

In the 57th minute, Celta coach Claudio Giráldez made a double substitution, bringing on heavy artillery – legend Iago Aspas and former Bayern player Brian Zaragoza.

An hour into the game, Ludogorets was awarded a second penalty. Caio Vidal sprinted into the penalty area and was brought down. Shockingly, the referee initially showed a yellow card for simulation, but after a VAR review, the decision was overturned. The card was canceled, and referee Balázs Bérke pointed to the spot. Petar Stanić calmly scored his hat-trick – 3-0.

In the 70th minute, Celta reduced the deficit. Two substitutes – Brian Zaragoza and Pablo Durán – combined, and the latter elegantly finished past Bonmann – 1-3. Following the goal, the Spaniards pressed hard. In the 74th minute, Duran almost scored his second, but failed to connect well with a header. Seconds later, Ilaix Moriba missed a huge opportunity. He was completely unmarked and shot from the penalty spot, but Bonmann saved. On the counterattack, Caio Vidal fired at Celta’s goal, but the goalkeeper saved again.

In the 96th minute, Brian Zaragoza crossed to El-Abdelawi, who scored a sensational volley – 2-3. The final moments became very tense, but Ludogorets held on to secure a historic victory.