Ludogorets vs Crusaders Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Ludogorets’ rise to prominence isn’t one that is talked about often, but it’s impressive nonetheless. The Bulgarian club was founded in 2001 and after years of floundering in the lower leagues they finally made a breakthrough in the 2009/10 season. This was enough to attract Kiril Domuschiev as a buyer of the club, and it was a purchase that cemented the upward trajectory of Ludogorets.

They were promoted to the top flight the following season, and with money pouring into the club and exciting new signings coming in they achieved a remarkable feat by winning the league in their first ever season in the top flight of Bulgarian football. They have won every league title since, and secured their place as regulars in Europe.

In just their second season in Europe they reached the Champions League Playoff round, losing to Basel and entering the Europa League group stages. They made it all the way to the last 16 that season and then reached the Champions League group stages the season after. In fact, since that first season in Europe they have failed to make the group stages of either the Champions League or the Europa League just once, so Crusaders have a mountainous task here.

The Northern Irish club were denied a third consecutive NIFL trophy in the 2016/17 campaign when Linfield managed to take the top spot on the podium, but last season they resumed their recent dominance of the league, picking up 91 points from their 38 games and beating Coleraine to the top spot by two points.

In Europe their record is rather less impressive though. Crusaders have never made it to the group stages of any European competition, and they have only progressed past their starting position on two occasions. These came in consecutive years in 2014 and 2015 when they managed to beat Ekranas and Levadia Tallinn in the 1st qualifying round of the Europa League and Champions League respectively.

When facing the more established European sides their lack of talent is shown in abundance. They were hammered 9-0 on aggregate against Copenhagen a couple of years ago, and a 2014 clash with Rosenborg saw them 9-3 losers too. Away from home they struggle massively too, losing a huge 17 of their 19 European away days and conceding 34 in their last ten attempts.

Meanwhile, Ludogorets have won five of their last six European qualifiers on Bulgarian soil, including a trio of victories last season in which they scored nine goals. All the signs point towards a Ludogorets victory here, and we’re expecting it to be a high scoring affair too. 13 of Crusaders’ 19 trips away in Europe have seen at least four goals scored, and with Ludogorets netting nine in their last three home qualifying games we think a Ludogorets Win and Over 3.5 Goals looks a good bet along with a 4-1 correct score predictions.