Ludogorets will take on Qarabag in the second leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie on Tuesday night with the hosts holding a 2-1 advantage after the first leg.
The victory for Ludogorets last week was somewhat of a shock but it has put them in with a great chance of reaching the playoff round. Qarabag, however, will feel like they still possess enough quality to turn the tie around here.
As part of our latest round of Champions League betting tips, here is our Ludogorets vs Qarabag prediction.
Contents
Ludogorets vs Qarabag prediction: Qarabag to win on the night
Key stats
- Qarabag have won all but one competitive match they have played this season.
- Ludogorets have lost the second leg in both of their previous Champions League qualifying matches this season.
- Juninho netted 31 times in all competitions last season and got on the scoresheet in the first leg last week.
Correct score prediction: Ludogorets 1-2 Qarabag
Qarabag were perhaps guilty of underestimating Ludogorets last week but they won't be making that mistake again on Tuesday. Qarabag have scored 2+ goals in four of their five competitive outings this season so logic tells you they will do it again against Ludogorets. The hosts are usually a safe bet for at least one goal when they play at home, though.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Qarabag are narrow favourites
- Home: 8/5 (2.60) – 38.5%
- Draw: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- Away: 6/4 (2.50) – 40%
The bookies have been spooked a little by Ludogorets' shock win last week and the odds are a lot closer this time around. Qarabag are still the favourites for the win with Ladbrokes at 6/4 while Ludogorets have been priced at 8/5 to repeat last week's result. The draw, which would see Ludogorets qualify for the Champions League playoff round, has been priced at 5/2.
Check out our free betting tips for today page for more football predictions for matches taking place over the next 24 hours.
Most recent H2Hs: A second competitive meeting
Despite both teams frequently competing in the qualifying stages of European competitions, this is only the second time that they have in a competitive match, with the first taking place last week.
They have also met on two previous occasions in friendly matches with both of those happening in the last six years. The first match in 2018 finished 1-1 while Ludogorets won the second one 2-0 in 2019.
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 06/08/24
FK Qarabag
Ludogorets Razgrad
Europe Friendlies 22/06/19
FK Qarabag
Ludogorets Razgrad
Europe Friendlies 23/06/18
Ludogorets Razgrad
FK Qarabag
Ludogorets preview: Will home advantage see them through?
Ludogorets are in an interesting position on Tuesday where they won't know whether to stick or twist. On one hand, they only need to draw with Qarabag to make it through while on the other, going for the win on the night could make their life far easier. Could the roar of the home crowd see them over the line either way?
Predicted lineup: Bonmann (GK), Son, Almeida, Verdon, Nedyalkov, Naressi, Duarte, Piotrowski, Seco, Tekpetey & Duah
Bulgaria First League 01/09/24
D
Cherno More Varna
0
Ludogorets Razgrad
0
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 29/08/24
W
CS Petrocub
1
Ludogorets Razgrad
2
Bulgaria First League 25/08/24
W
Beroe
0
Ludogorets Razgrad
1
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 22/08/24
W
CS Petrocub
0
Ludogorets Razgrad
4
Bulgaria First League 17/08/24
W
Levski Sofia
0
Ludogorets Razgrad
1
Qarabag preview: Facing an uphill task
The task at hand is much more straightforward for Qarabag which could make things easier for them – win or bust. They have plenty of quality in attacking positions to have a good go on Tuesday night so write them off at your peril.
Predicted lineup: Buntic (GK), Vesovic, Mustafazada, Medina, Bayramov, Romao, Jankovic, Andrade, Benzia, Zoubir & Juninho
Azerbaijan Premier League 01/09/24
W
Zira IK
1
FK Qarabag
3
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 28/08/24
L
Dinamo Zagreb
2
FK Qarabag
0
Azerbaijan Premier League 24/08/24
L
PFK Turan Tovuz
1
FK Qarabag
0
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 20/08/24
L
Dinamo Zagreb
3
FK Qarabag
0
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 13/08/24
W
Ludogorets Razgrad
2
FK Qarabag
7
Player to watch: Juninho
If Qarabag are to have any chance of turning this tie around on Tuesday night, then they are going to need Juninho to be at his very best. The Brazilian will be the most talented player on the pitch and he has never let Qarabag down before.
As already mentioned, he scored 31 goals in all competitions in his debut season at the club in 2023/24 and he has picked up where he left off this season, netting six times in his first five appearances. Don't be shocked if the 27-year-old takes over this game and gets his team over the line.
