Ludogorets defeated Shkendija 4–1

Ludogorets qualifies for the main stage of the Europa League after dramatic victory over Shkendija. Ludogorets has qualified for the main stage of the second most prestigious European club tournament – the UEFA Europa League. The team, led by head coach Rui Mota, achieved a dramatic 4:1 victory over Shkendija Tetovo after extra time. In regular time, "The Eagles" and the champions of North Macedonia drew 2:1, repeating the result from the first leg, which sent the match into two 15-minute extra time halves. In those, Ludogorets managed to score two more goals through substitutes Bernard Tekpetey and Yves Bile.

The other two goals for the home team came from Edwin Kurtulus and Ivaylo Chochev, giving Ludogorets a 2:0 lead in the first half. After the break, however, the visitors scored through Fabrice Tamba with their first shot on target. Ludogorets will find out their group stage opponents in the Europa League tomorrow.

The match at the “Huvepharma Arena” started perfectly for the hosts, who pushed forward from the first second. Caio Vidal was particularly sharp and was the most dangerous player in attack, creating the biggest threats for Shkendija’s goal. It was after one of Vidal’s excellent left-wing runs in the 9th minute that he unleashed a powerful diagonal shot, which the goalkeeper parried. Unfortunately for him, the ball landed at the feet of Edwin Kurtulus, positioned at the edge of the box directly in front of the goal. The central defender didn’t hesitate and blasted a shot that left Gaye with no chance.

Rui Mota’s players continued to vary their attacks and created chance after chance. In the 13th minute, Vidal came very close to doubling the lead, but his shot hit the left post. Still, Ludogorets managed to score a second goal through Ivaylo Chochev. After another left-flank attack, the ball was crossed near the penalty spot, where Chochev was left unmarked. The experienced midfielder struck it first-time with his left foot. The ball bounced off the left post and crossed the line for 2:0. Although the hosts visibly slowed down after the second goal in the 24th minute, Ludogorets didn’t allow a single shot on target before halftime. In contrast, they had taken ten shots by then.

The visitors from North Macedonia came out more aggressively in the second half. Their more active play paid off in the 64th minute, when Shkendija reduced the deficit and leveled the aggregate score over the two legs. The hero for the visitors was Fabrice Tamba. Besart Ibraimi received the ball on the right wing, advanced, and found his teammate excellently at the edge of the box. The forward controlled it with one touch and then calmly slotted it past Sergio Padt.

Tamba had a chance to score a decisive goal shortly before the end of regular time, but one-on-one with Padt, he shot wide.

The outcome of the clash was largely decided in the 98th minute, when Bernard Tekpetey made it 3:1. In the remaining extra time, Ludogorets added another goal to seal their superiority. Yves Bile scored after a brilliant counterattack and an assist from Tekpetey.