The first leg of the second qualifying round of the 2025/26 Champions League between Rijeka (Croatia) and Ludogorets (Bulgaria) will take place on July 22 at the Rujevica Stadium. Rijeka vs. Ludogorets: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Rijeka
The Croatian team earned the right to participate in the second qualifying round of the Champions League by winning their national championship. This marks the club's third appearance in the Champions League: the last time was in the 2017/18 season, when they also started from the second qualifying round and reached the final stage of qualifying. In the previous European campaign, Rijeka began from the second qualifying round of the Europa League but failed to advance to the main stage of the Conference League. It is worth noting that the Croatian national championship starts only in August, so all the players' focus and motivation are currently on European competitions.
- No more than two goals have been scored in the club's last five home matches in European competitions.
- Rijeka has won with a handicap (0) in their last six home matches on the international stage.
- In 5 of the last 7 games in European tournaments, at least one opponent did not score.
Predicted lineup for Rijeka (4-4-2)
Martin Zlomislic – Mladen Devetak, Ante Majstorovic, Stepan Radeljic, Ante Oric – Luka Menalo, Niko Jankovic, Dejan Petrovic, Toni Fruk – Duje Cop, Merveil Ndockyt.
Ludogorets
In the first qualifying round of the Champions League, the Bulgarian club faced Minsk's Dinamo. After a narrow win at home (1-0), the team lost the return leg 1-2 in regular time but managed to secure a spot in the second round thanks to a goal in extra time. It is noteworthy that Ludogorets has reached this stage of the Champions League qualification 12 times, progressing further on seven occasions.
During the summer transfer window, the club strengthened its midfield with Filip Kaloc and Erik Markus.
- The club has lost 7 of their last 8 away matches in the Champions League.
- The team has not scored in the first half in 10 of their last 13 away games.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 4 of the last 5 European away matches.
Predicted lineup for Ludogorets (4-3-1-2)
Sergio Padt – Anton Nedyalkov, Olivier Verdon, Son, Edwin Kurtulus – Pedro Naressi, Filip Kaloc, Jakub Piotrowski – Erik Markus – Bernard Tekpetey, Caio Vidal.
Referee
Elchin Masiyev (Azerbaijan)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 37;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 29%.
Rijeka vs. Ludogorets: Match Prediction
Rijeka has shown stable performances at home in European competitions in recent years. In their last six home matches on the international stage, the Croatian club has not conceded more than one goal. This trend continues in the Champions League – throughout their participation history, the team has played three home matches in this tournament and also did not allow opponents to score more than one goal. Given that Rijeka has not participated in the Champions League for a long time, the players will be especially motivated to perform well in this campaign, particularly in front of their fans.
Ludogorets, on the other hand, has certain difficulties in attack when playing away. The Bulgarian club has not scored more than one goal in 5 of their last 6 away matches in the Champions League, as well as in the last five matches in all European competitions. In the first qualifying round, the team also did not show high scoring ability – scoring just one goal in each match against Minsk's Dinamo. In my opinion, Rijeka is a team with a more reliable defense, especially at home.
My prediction: Ludogorets Individual Total Under 1
* For each team, the starting lineup from their previous match is indicated.
