Ludogorets turned the tables on Botev (Plovdiv)

Ludogorets is still on top of the overall rating in first league of the Bulgarian championship. The champions defeated 3:1 Botev (Plovdiv). The intriguing match was impressive to watch.

Tchibota had the chance to score first, but he missed. Marquinos sent the ball out after that. Yankov made a mistake in the 4^th minute and Nedelev received the ball. He scored easily. Despodov tried to even the score seconds later, but sent the ball above the crossbar. Despodov tried to do the same, but Argilashki saved. Goncalves made a mistake in the 20^th minute and Nedelev almost scored again, but Kahlina caught the ball.

Ludogorets evened the score four minutes later. Santana scored one of the best goals of the season from 25 meters and completely surprised the gatekeeper. Yankov hit the woodwork next. Mertens had the chance to even the score later, but he missed by a few centimeters. The first half showed the high level of Bulgarian football.

Rabei outplayed Ikoko in the second half and almost scored but hit the woodwork instead. He tried to do the same minutes later. Sotiriou scored and the goal was cancelled but VAR confirmed there was no offside. Mertens left the pitch after hitting Santana in the 58^th minute. The referee gave him a second yellow card. Ikoko added the last goal in the added time.

BOTEV (PLOVDIV) - LUDOGORETS 1:3

1:0 Nedelev (4‘)

1:1 Santana (24‘)

1:2 Sotiriou (57‘)

1:3 Ikoko (90‘)

BOTEV (PLOVDIV): Argilashki, Suprayen, Genev, Janson (72 – Baroan), Mertens, Toku, Rabei (85 – Tonev), Minkov (75 – Filipov), Konate, Nedelev, Marquinos

LUDOGORETS: Kahlina, Cicinho, Plastun, Sa, Ikoko, Goncalves,, Santana (91 – Badji), Yankov (46 – Show), Tchibota (87 – Pinas), Despodov (72 – Tekpetey), Sotiriou (72 – Manu)

Yellow cards: Konate, Mertens (Botev); Santana (Ludogorets).

Red card: Mertens (Botev).