Dinamo Zagreb will face Ludogorets Rasgrad in the third qualifying round for the Champions League. The Croatian champions start favorites after winning 2-1 in Bulgaria last week. Dinamo Zagreb vs Ludogorets Razgrad kick off is scheduled for Tuesday 9th August at 8pm

Dinamo Zagreb vs Ludogorets Razgrad match preview: Where are the two teams?

Dinamo Zagreb

Dinamo Zagreb undoubtedly deserved their away win over the Bulgarian champions last Tuesday, with Dino Peric’s first goal and Sergio Pad’s own goal putting the visitors two up within nine minutes. Bernard Tecpetti replied in the 22nd minute, but Ante Casic will be satisfied with his side’s defensive ability to avoid conceding any more goals, and will return home with an advantage to defend ahead of the second leg. Dinamo Zagreb will count on Dinamo Zagreb to have more European experience than their nearest rivals, Kaczy, who began his second term at the helm of the club four months ago, having spent less than a year between December 2011 and November 2012. Indeed, if they can keep up their enthusiasm in front of a rapturous home crowd, the Blues could reach the group stage of the Champions League for the sixth time in 12 seasons.

Ludogorets Rasgrad

Ludogorets, meanwhile, overcame a late scare against Shamrock Rovers in the previous round to reach this stage. Ante Simundza’s side traveled to Ireland with a three-goal first-half lead, but only Kohli’s first-half goal calmed their nerves after the Irish champions went a goal down. Simundza, who left Slovenia’s Mura to take up his new post at Ludogorets in January this year, will be disappointed to have failed to find an equalizer in front of the home crowd last week after returning thanks to Tekpety’s goal. The Eagles will need more quality and courage to turn the tables on Tuesday in Zagreb.

All Champions League news

News from the teams

N.K. Cacic made six changes from Friday’s 1-1 league draw against Varads and indicated his priorities now are the Champions League. Because of this, it would be no surprise to see him restore the eleven that won last week in Bulgaria 2-1, with Josip Drmic called upon in attack. Ludogorets, on the other hand, have suffered a heavy blow from Cowley’s injury, with Dominik Yankov likely to replace the Brazilian as the team’s creative hub. Dinamo Zagreb will be without goalkeeper Padd and defensive midfielder Claude Goncalves, while Simon Sluga will be called upon to intervene between the posts.

Probable lineups Dinamo Zagreb vs Ludogorets Razgrad

Dinamo Zagreb’s possible starting line-up:
Livovich; Ristovsky, Lauritzen, Peric, Lubicic; Baturina, Misic, Ademi, Ivancek; Orsic, Drmic

Ludogorets Razgrad Possible Starting Lineup:
servant; Cicinho, Plastun, Verdon, Nedyalkov; Yordanov, Piotrovsky, Yankov; Tekpetey, Sotiriou, Rick

Post Views:
208