Ferencváros vs Ludogorets – News and Probable Lineups

Ferencvaros are set to try and overcome a one-goal deficit as they host Ludogorets Razgrad for the second leg of their Europa League knockout playoff in Budapest this Thursday.

The Hungarian champions faced a 2–1 loss in the first leg in Razgrad, putting them in jeopardy of being eliminated from the tournament at this point for two consecutive seasons.

Match overview

For Ferencvaros, it’s a case of déjà vu as they return to Budapest trailing following the first leg of a Europa League knockout tie, having previously suffered a significant defeat against Viktoria Plzen at the same stage last year.

However, there is more reason for optimism for Robbie Keane’s squad this time, as they managed to keep the score respectable in Razgrad and may feel they were unlucky not to secure at least a draw given their overall performance.

With an expected goals (xG) of 1.57 against Ludogorets’ 0.47, along with 17 shots compared to their opponent’s 10 and a larger share of possession, Yusuf Bamidele’s equalizing goal in the 27th minute proved inadequate, as they conceded to Son’s winning goal in the second half.

This result added to the inconsistency of the Greens in the Europa League, leaving them with just one victory in their last five matches in the competition (D2, L2), a stretch that saw Keane’s side narrowly miss out on automatic advancement to the last 16 by just a point.

Ferencvaros also faces a concerning trend going into Thursday’s match, as they have lost their last two knockout fixtures when hosting the second leg, although the Hungarian champions can take hope from having secured six wins in their last eight UEL matches (L2) at home.

Moreover, the Greens can find confidence in their historical performance against Ludogorets in Budapest, having won three out of their last four continental encounters on home soil (L1), the last two of which were by margins of multiple goals, including a 3–1 victory earlier this season during the league phase.

Ferencvaros showcased their attacking prowess over the weekend, clinching a 3–1 victory against MTK Budapest with goals from Franko Kovacevic, Elton Acolatse, and Adam Madarasz, a result that positions the Greens in second place in the Hungarian top-flight table, just three points shy of the top spot.

In contrast, Ludogorets arrive on the heels of a disappointing 2–1 defeat to a 10-man Botev Plovdiv, where Idan Nachmias’s equalizer turned out to be short-lived as the Eagles conceded a last-minute goal against their undermanned opponents.

This defeat puts the 14-time reigning Bulgarian champions at risk of relinquishing their domestic stronghold, as they currently sit second in the league table, trailing leaders ETO Gyor by 10 points. The loss has also interrupted their six-match winning streak.

This winning streak included a crucial narrow victory over Nice in the final round of the league phase, which granted the Eagles a knockout spot in the UEL for the first time in five years, while their recent success against Ferencvaros gives them the advantage in seeking only their second appearance in the competition’s last 16.

However, the Razgrad giants face a troubling away record, having lost 13 of their last 20 Europa League main-draw away matches (W1, D6), including their last three fixtures.

Team News

Ferencvaros is expected to be without centre-back Stefan Gartenmann, who has been out of action since early November due to injury.

Ibrahim Cisse, Bence Otvos, and Gabi Kanichowsky were rested over the weekend but are anticipated to make their return to the lineup on Thursday.

Leading the scoring charts for Ferencvaros in this season’s Europa League, Bamidele scored his third goal of the campaign in the first leg and may return to the starting XI after being a substitute last weekend.

Nevertheless, Zsombor Gruber is also vying for a starting position up front following an impressive performance last time out where he provided an assist, while Kovacevic remains a viable option in Keane’s preferred two-man attack after netting in that match.

On the other hand, Ludogorets will be without Callum O’Dowda, who is suspended after receiving his third yellow card of the tournament in the first leg.

Dinis Almeida is also ruled out for the same reason, creating a significant void in the heart of Ludogorets’ defence; however, head coach Per-Mathias Hogmo has Nachmias available as a reliable replacement.

Additionally, midfielder Aguibou Camara is still recuperating from muscle surgery and is not expected back until around April.

Kwadwo Duah, who has scored in his last two starts, including the opener in the previous first leg in Razgrad, could be reinstated to lead the attack after coming on as a substitute over the weekend.

Ferencvaros probable starting XI:

Groff; Gomez, Raemaekers, Szalai; Cisse, Kanichowsky, Otvos, Abu Fani, Nagy; Bamidele, Kovacevic

Ludogorets Razgrad probable starting XI:

Bonmann; Son, Nachmias, Verdon, Nedyalkov; Duarte, Naressi; Stanic, Nogueira, Vidal; Duah

Ferencvaros may have been the more dominant team in Razgrad last week, and a similar performance on their home ground should suffice to change the outcome in their favor, particularly given their solid track record in this matchup at home.

The hosts have also triumphed in their last two home fixtures by multiple goals, so with the support of the Budapest crowd, they should secure a win on the night and overall progression, especially considering Ludogorets’ difficulties in away matches in continental competitions.