Preview: Ludogorets Razgrad vs Celta Vigo – prediction, team news, lineups

Ludogorets Razgrad face a tough task on Thursday evening when they host Celta Vigo at the Huvepharma Arena in the fifth round of Europa League league-phase fixtures.

The home side enter the contest under pressure in the lower reaches of the table, while Celta travel to Bulgaria sitting comfortably in the top four and aiming to strengthen their grip on a knockout place.

Match preview

Ludogorets Razgrad have struggled to translate their domestic dominance into European success this season, with a difficult start to their Europa League campaign leaving them on the brink of early elimination.

The Bulgarian side have managed just one win from their first four European outings, losing three, while their goal difference of -4 (five scored, nine conceded) highlights the defensive frailties and attacking inefficiency.

Their most recent Europa League fixture ended in a disappointing 3-1 loss away at Ferencvaros, a result which further underlined their struggles at this level.

Despite their European woes, Ludogorets showed resilience in their latest league outing, recording a 2-0 away victory over Septemvri Sofia. 

However, their overall recent form across all competitions remains mixed, with two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five matches.

Ludogorets will also be approaching this fixture under new leadership, after the club’s management officially announced the appointment of Per-Mathias Hogmo, who replaces Rui Mota following a disappointing run of results in Europe.

The Norwegian tactician now faces the immediate task of steadying the ship on the continental stage and restoring belief within the squad ahead of this crucial home encounter.

Celta Vigo, in contrast, have been one of the standout teams in this season’s Europa League.

The Galician side have accumulated nine points from four league-phase matches, recording three wins and just one defeat, while boasting an impressive goal difference of +5 after scoring nine and conceding only four.

Their latest European performance was arguably their most convincing yet, as they thrashed Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 away from home – a result that showcased both their attacking quality and defensive organisation.

On the road in Europe, Celta have recorded one win and one defeat from two matches so far, but their away performances have generally been confident and controlled.

Under Claudio Giraldez, Celta have developed a progressive, attacking identity based on high pressing, quick passing combinations and effective use of the wide areas.

Their overall form across all competitions further strengthens their position as favourites, with six wins from their last seven matches. 

That run includes a 1-0 victory away at Alaves in their most recent La Liga outing.

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Ludogorets Razgrad and Celta Vigo. 

Under the new Europa League format, where all 36 teams compete in one table, every point is crucial – particularly for Ludogorets, who are rapidly running out of room for error.

Ludogorets Razgrad Europa League form:

Ludogorets Razgrad form (all competitions):

Celta Vigo Europa League form:

Celta Vigo form (all competitions):

Team News

Ludogorets will be without Edvin Kurtulus, who is ruled out due to a knee injury, while Georgi Terziev remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament problem.

Caio Vidal has already received two yellow cards in the competition and must avoid another booking to prevent a suspension.

Petar Stanic, Deroy Duarte and Pedro Naressi are expected to operate in midfield, while Yves Erick Bile should continue to lead the line.

Celta Vigo have a number of injury concerns ahead of Thursday’s trip – Carl Starfelt is out due to a muscle injury and will miss this encounter.

Franco Cervi and Manu Fernandez are both struggling with muscle problems, while Carlos Dominguez remains sidelined with a thigh injury.

Williot Swedberg is also a doubt as he continues his recovery from an ankle problem, and Hugo Alvarez could miss out due to physical discomfort.

Ludogorets Razgrad possible starting lineup:

Bonmann; Son, Nachmias, Almeida, Nedyalkov; Naressi; Duarte, Stanic, Chochev, Vidal; Bile

Celta Vigo possible starting lineup:

Radu; Alonso, Mingueza, Rodriguez; Carreira, Roman Gonzalez, Beltran, Rueda; Zaragoza, Duran, Aspas

We say: Ludogorets Razgrad 0-2 Celta Vigo

While Ludogorets will hope for a reaction following managerial changes, their defensive issues in Europe remain a major concern. 

Celta Vigo have looked composed throughout the competition and appear well-equipped to manage this kind of away fixture. If they take an early lead, they should see the game out comfortably.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.