Ludogorets vs FC Ballkani Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 18/07/2023, 03:30  by Daniel Ngulu in Champions League Predictions

Ludogorets must win by at least two goals when they host Ballkani in the return leg of their Champions League qualifier. The two face off on the back of Ballkani’s 2-0 win in the first leg. Ludogorets come into this game on the back of two straight losses, making their situation tough. A 3-1 defeat at Krumovgrad means they have a stuttering start to the season. They have conceded five times in two games and are clearly not match-fit as yet. It is a very poor start for the team that lost just twice in the Bulgarian top flight last season. The 17-match unbeaten run towards the close of last season now seems a distant memory. Their opening two matches of the season have however come away from home. Ludogorets will hope to make their home return count. In seven home matches in the Champions League, they have just one loss. They have five outright wins in that run, and one on post match penalties.

Ballkani have the advantage coming into this game but the real job will be trying to hold on to it. Their first game of the season handed them the 2-0 win. That was their 12th straight unbeaten outing in competitive action. The last four of them all produced clean sheets, and three wins. Last year, Ballkani became the first team from Kosovo to reach the group stage of a European competition. After making it to the Conference League, they’ll hope to do the same in the Champions League. Meriton Korenica scored just before half time in the first leg to set Ballkani off to a good start. Qendrin Zyba finished the job on a fine evening for the Kosovo team. Having finished bottom of their group in Europe last season, Ballkani will want to build up on that here.