Ferencvaros vs Ludogorets: Prediction, Team News, and Lineup Preview

As Ferencvaros prepares to host Ludogorets Razgrad in Budapest, they face a crucial task of overcoming a one-goal deficit in the second leg of their Europa League knockout playoff. After a disappointing 2-1 loss in the first leg last week, the Hungarian champions are at risk of an early exit from the competition.

Match Preview

This scenario is familiar for Ferencvaros, who find themselves in a similar predicament after a heavy defeat in last year’s knockout stages. However, there is a stronger sense of optimism this time around. Despite the loss in Razgrad, Ferencvaros showcased a better performance, recording an xG of 1.57 compared to Ludogorets’ 0.47. The Greens also had 17 shots against 10 from their opponents, highlighting their attacking potential.

Yusuf Bamidele’s first-half equalizer in the first leg was crucial, yet it ultimately proved insufficient. With only one win in their last five Europa League matches (D2, L2), Ferencvaros missed automatic qualification for the Round of 16 by just one point. Despite this, history favors them at home, where they have won six of their last eight Europa League matches. They also boast a solid record against Ludogorets at home, winning three of their last four encounters.

Recent Performances

Ferencvaros is coming off a 3-1 victory over MTK Budapest, a result that places them second in the Hungarian league, just three points behind the leaders. This win highlighted their attacking strength, featuring goals from Franko Kovacevic, Elton Acolatse, and Adam Madarasz.

Conversely, Ludogorets is reeling from a 2-1 loss to Botev Plovdiv, where they conceded a stoppage-time goal. This defeat snapped a six-match winning streak and leaves them second in the Bulgarian league, ten points behind ETO Gyor. Despite their first knockout round appearance in five years, Ludogorets must overcome their poor away record in the Europa League, having lost 13 of their last 20 away matches.

Team News Ahead of the Match

Ferencvaros could miss key defender Stefan Gartenmann, sidelined since early November. Other notable absences from their recent fixture due to rest were Ibrahim Cisse, Bence Otvos, and Gabi Kanichowsky, but all are expected to return. Bamidele, the team’s leading scorer in this year’s Europa League, is likely to start after appearing as a substitute recently.

For Ludogorets, they will be without Callum O’Dowda and Dinis Almeida due to suspensions. The team is also coping with the absence of midfielder Aguibou Camara, who continues his recovery from surgery. Kwadwo Duah, a recent goal scorer, may lead their attack after coming off the bench in the last game.

Possible Lineups

Match Prediction

In a prediction for the match, Ferencvaros is expected to capitalize on their home advantage, aiming for a 3-1 victory over Ludogorets Razgrad, which would see them progress 4-3 on aggregate. Given their strong home form and historical success against Ludogorets, the pressure will be on the Greens to deliver a solid performance in front of their fans.