With all still to play for, Ludogorets Razgrad and HNK Rijeka will conclude their UEFA Champions League second-round qualifying tie at the Huvepharma Arena. Our Ludogorets Razgrad vs HNK Rijeka prediction provides insight into what to expect from Wednesday's clash.
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Ludogorets Razgrad vs HNK Rijeka prediction: Ludogorets to make home advantage count
Key stats
- Our Ludogorets Razgrad vs HNK Rijeka betting tips take into account the fact that the home side are without a defeat in five straight matches.
- They have also broken the deadlock in four of those matches while also keeping clean sheets in each of the most recent three.
- After conceding in five straight matches during pre-season, Rijeka have tightened up at the back a bit of late, keeping consecutive clean sheets heading into Wednesday's affair.
- Consequently, recent games involving Rijeka have generally been low-scoring, with less than three goals scored in four of the last five.
Correct score prediction: Ludogorets Razgrad 2-1 HNK Rijeka
Despite both teams tightening up at the back of late, we expect neither to come away unbreached from Wednesday's winner-takes-all meeting.
That said, we are leaning towards a win for Ludogorets, albeit by only a narrow margin.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Odds firmly in Ludogorets' favour
- HOME: 19/20 (1.95) – 51.3%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 29/10 (3.90) – 29.6%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Ludogorets have been given more than a 50% chance of emerging victorious here, but the hosts will know better than to underrate Rijeka, who have been given a win probability of 29.6%, if they are to continue their quest for a place in Europe's premier club competition.
Rui Mota's men maintained their perfect start to the new Parva Liga season by claiming a 1-0 triumph over Botev Vratsa at the Hristo Botev Stadium on Friday.
With the game level in second-half stoppage time, the Eagles were set for a share of the spoils before Son popped up with a 93rd-minute winner.
Likewise, Rijeka will head into their upcoming European assignment fresh off a win after downing Slovenian outfit Brinje Grosuplje 2-0 last Wednesday.
Antej Matej Juric broke the deadlock for Radomir Dalovic's men in the 13th minute, after which Silvio Ilinkovic sealed the deal in the final minute of regulation time.
For more from the upcoming matches, today’s free football betting tips look at some of the best picks.
Most recent H2Hs: Hosts unbeaten after two
Our Ludogorets Razgrad vs HNK Rijeka prediction reveals that Wednesday's meeting between the sides is only the third in history. Ludogorets won the first-ever meeting 10 years ago prior to last week's goalless stalemate at Stadio Rujevica.
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 22/07/25
HNK Rijeka
Ludogorets Razgrad
Club Friendly List 28/01/15
HNK Rijeka
Ludogorets Razgrad
Ludogorets Razgrad preview: Anton Nedyalkov to return in defence
Nedyalkov was rested in Ludogorets' domestic triumph last time out, but the Bulgarian is expected to return to the starting lineup for this one.
This should see 19-year-old Simeon Shishkov drop to the bench, with Edvin Kurtulus completing the back three.
Predicted lineup: Bonmann (GK), Vidal, Nedyalkov, Kurtulus, Verdon, Son, Marcus, Kaloc, Piotrowski, Bile & Tekpetey
Bulgaria First League 13/05/25
L
Cherno More Varna
2
Ludogorets Razgrad
0
Bulgaria First League 09/05/25
D
Arda Kardzhali
1
Ludogorets Razgrad
1
Bulgaria First League 03/05/25
D
Levski Sofia
1
Ludogorets Razgrad
1
Bulgaria First League 27/04/25
W
Cherno More Varna
0
Ludogorets Razgrad
2
Bulgaria Cup 23/04/25
W
Botev Vratsa
0
Ludogorets Razgrad
2
HNK Rijeka preview: Damir Kreilach still awaiting debut
Since joining from Major League side Vancouver Whitecaps, Damir Kreilach has not featured for Rijeka as he continues to nurse an injury.
The veteran midfielder is the only one of Rijeka's eight summer signings still without an appearance for the club, and that is not expected to change anytime soon.
Predicted lineup: Zlomislic (GK), Devetak, Radeljic, Majstorovic, Orec, Dantas, Jankovic, Petrovic, Ndockyt, Fruk, Menalo
Croatia HNL 10/05/25
W
HNK Sibenik
0
HNK Rijeka
1
Croatia HNL 04/05/25
W
HNK Gorica
1
HNK Rijeka
2
Croatia HNL 27/04/25
L
Dinamo Zagreb
1
HNK Rijeka
0
Croatia HNL 23/04/25
L
NK Osijek
2
HNK Rijeka
0
Croatia HNL 19/04/25
L
Istra 1961
2
HNK Rijeka
0
Player to watch – Son
Son was instrumental in Ludogorets' title heroics last time out, and the 31-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down with a goal and an assist apiece across five matches across all competitions this term.
While keeping the opponents at bay remains his primary responsibility, Son has also shown he is capable of coming up clutch at the other end and is one to keep an eye on.
Son continues to show his worth for Ludogorets
Off the back of a couple of free transfers, Ludogorets became the first team to pay a transfer fee for Son when they forked out €100k for his services back in 2023.
Three seasons in and Son has proven to be worth every penny. Having already featured in the Conference League and the Champions League, the full-back will now be keen to help his side reach the Champions League.