Ludogorets vs. Nice Highlights (Jan 29)
Europa League 2025/26
Europa League 2025/26
| # | GP | W | D | L | DIFF | Goals | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | +13 | 18:5 | 21 | |
| 2 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | +8 | 14:6 | 21 | |
| 3 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | +10 | 18:8 | 19 | |
| 4 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | +6 | 13:7 | 17 | |
| 5 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | +6 | 13:7 | 17 | |
| 6 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | +6 | 11:5 | 17 | |
| 7 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | +6 | 10:4 | 17 | |
| 8 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | +7 | 13:6 | 16 | |
| 9 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | +4 | 11:7 | 16 | |
| 10 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | +7 | 14:7 | 15 | |
| 11 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | +6 | 15:9 | 15 | |
| 12 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | +1 | 12:11 | 15 | |
| 13 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | +8 | 15:7 | 14 | |
| 14 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 8:3 | 14 | |
| 15 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | +1 | 7:6 | 14 | |
| 16 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | +4 | 15:11 | 13 | |
| 17 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | +3 | 17:14 | 12 | |
| 18 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | +3 | 12:9 | 12 | |
| 19 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | +3 | 10:7 | 12 | |
| 20 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | +2 | 11:9 | 12 | |
| 21 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | -2 | 13:15 | 11 | |
| 22 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 12:15 | 10 | |
| 23 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | -4 | 12:16 | 10 | |
| 24 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | -2 | 9:11 | 9 | |
| 25 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 5 | -6 | 10:16 | 9 | |
| 26 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -6 | 5:11 | 7 | |
| 27 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -7 | 9:16 | 7 | |
| 28 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -8 | 6:14 | 7 | |
| 29 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | -4 | 11:15 | 6 | |
| 30 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | -4 | 9:13 | 6 | |
| 31 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | -5 | 10:15 | 6 | |
| 32 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 6 | -9 | 5:14 | 4 | |
| 33 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 7 | -8 | 7:15 | 3 | |
| 34 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 7 | -10 | 5:15 | 1 | |
| 35 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 7 | -11 | 4:15 | 1 | |
| 36 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 7 | -20 | 2:22 | 1 |
The Europa League returned with a tightly contested affair as Ludogorets Razgrad hosted Nice. Both sides sought an early advantage in this continental clash, with the atmosphere electric under the stadium lights as the group stages continued.
Ludogorets Razgrad showcased a determined attacking approach throughout the opening period, launching 81 attacks and creating two significant goal-scoring opportunities. Their build-up play saw them register 59 passes into the final third and a healthy 198 passes in the opposition half, indicating a clear intent to penetrate the Nice defence. The home side's possession statistics, hovering around 49%, suggest a balanced contest where they were actively involved in dictating the tempo and pushing forward.
The hosts' offensive efforts were underlined by a respectable 1.66 expected goals figure, hinting at the quality of chances they generated. With 17 crosses and 8 successful dribbles, Ludogorets attempted to stretch the Nice backline and find openings through wide play and individual skill. Their tactical setup aimed to assert dominance, forcing Nice to defend for periods and relying on quick transitions to exploit any gaps that appeared.
As the match progressed, the defensive resolve of both teams became increasingly evident. Nice, while perhaps not dominating possession, worked hard to stifle Ludogorets' attacking forays, contributing to a game where clear-cut chances were hard to come by despite the home side's offensive statistics. The tactical battle intensified, with both managers assessing their options and looking for a breakthrough to swing the momentum decisively in their favour.
Ludogorets' 1.06 expected assists figure points to their creativity in setting up teammates, yet the final product often eluded them. The 2 big chances created by the Bulgarian outfit highlight their potential to score, but the inability to convert these into goals would prove a key factor. The match became a test of endurance and tactical discipline, with neither side willing to concede crucial ground in this European encounter.
The overall statistical profile suggests a match where Ludogorets had the edge in attacking metrics and build-up play, but Nice's defensive organisation and resilience prevented them from capitalising fully. The game was a testament to the fine margins in European football, where efficiency in front of goal and defensive solidity often decide the outcome of closely fought contests.
