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Qualification is still open in Razgrad after Ludogorets lost 1-0 in the first leg. A balanced, rugged match is expected but Steaua has to be fancied to qualify after keeping a clean sheet in Romania.
Ludogorets made a big impact last year in Europa League when they knocked out Lazio, beat PSV and reached the Last 16, gaining much needed European experience. However, the Bulgarian side has never played in the Champions League so this can pretty much be dubbed as the biggest match in their history. Unfortunately for Ludogorets they did not play too well this season. They were not impressive against Dudelange, barely qualified against Partizan and lost in Romania 0-1 after a relatively poor performance. They also won only 3 out of 6 in the league and are on the back of a 2-2 draw against Lokomotiv Sofia, but of course they rested some players and were more focused on the Champions League playoffs.
Steaua played its worst match in a long time over the weekend, losing 1-0 at home to poor Ceahlaul. Coach Galca rested a lot of regulars but even so the performance was atrocious. Otherwise, Steaua played pretty good football this season, it was their first loss. In the Champions League qualies they had no problems against Aktobe and Stromsgodset before dominating Ludogorets in the first leg of the playoffs.
Team news & lineups
The two teams are relatively healthy, but Steaua will miss arguably its best player, Chipciu. Arlauskis and Tanase are slightly doubtful but they should play.
Ludogorets: Stoianov – Caicara, Moti, Terziev, Minev – Zlatinski, Diakov – Alexandrov, Marcelinho, Misidjan – Hamza
Steaua: Arlauskis – Rapa, Szukala, Varela, Latovlevici – Prepelita, Breeveld – Ad. Popa, L. Sanmartean, Cr. Tanase – Keseru
Neither side is looking too impressive right now but Steaua looks like the slightly better team, they have more experience and have been in better form in the start of the season. However, playing in Bulgaria should be a little different and tougher than in Romania, despite the fact that the visitors will get a lot of fan support. I reckon it will be a closely contested match, both teams will approach the game in a cautious manner. Steaua will be satisfied to protect the draw while Ludogorets will be desperate not to concede an early goal, so the first half has every chance of finishing 0-0. For a little more security I will pick the draw, so my tip is a draw at half time at decent odds. Prediction: Ludogorets Razgrad – Steaua Bucharest 1-1 (0-0 half time).
Pick: Half Time Draw
Odds: 2.00 @ Bet365
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 7
Event date: 27 August
