Ludogorets vs Athletic Bilbao

Huvepharma Arena forms the backdrop for an exciting UEFA Europa League meeting between Ludogorets and Athletic Bilbao.

Stranded in fourth from bottom in the 36-team standings following a 2-0 defeat at Anderlecht last time out, Ludogorets face an uphill task of avoiding an early Europa League elimination. Yet to score in the opening three rounds, the hosts have just one point to their name. However, they can draw confidence from winning three consecutive domestic fixtures by 3+ goals ‘to nil’ since losing in Belgium as they bid to defy a dreadful record in the Europa League proper. Indeed, the Bulgarian giants have picked up just two wins across their last 27 outings in the competition’s main draw (D6, L19). On top of that, they’ve lost all eight historic matches against Spanish adversaries.

Unlike their hosts, Athletic Bilbao’s haul of seven points from the opening three Europa League rounds puts them firmly in contention for automatic knockout qualification. Ernesto Valverde’s side squeaked past Slavia Prague 1-0 at home last time out, maintaining a near-faultless defensive record, having only conceded once in the first three rounds. However, they’ve since drawn back-to-back La Liga matches against Betis and Mallorca and are staring down the barrel of a three-match winless streak for the first time since April. They only scored once in those two outings, confirming their issues in front of goal. Indeed, they’ve netted under 1.5 goals in five of their last six Europa League fixtures (W2, D1, L3).