BETTING GUIDE: Ludogorets Vs Real Betis, match preview, team news and betting guide

After making a perfect start to their UEFA Europa League (UEL) campaign, Bulgarian champions Ludogorets will face their toughest test as they host Spanish side Real Betis.

This match could prove pivotal for both teams in shaping the group standings, especially after impressive - yet contrasting - opening results.

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Ludogorets made history on Matchday 1, becoming the first-ever Bulgarian side to win in Sweden following their 2-1 away victory over Malmö.

That result extended their current unbeaten run to six matches in all competitions (W4, D2), capped by a dominant 3-0 domestic win over Montana last weekend.

The Eagles will be wary of a poor recent Europa League home record - failing to win any of their last five such games (D1, L4).

Despite domestic dominance - including a record 14th consecutive league title last season - Ludogorets have stumbled in European qualifiers this campaign.

After falling short in the Champions League playoffs against Ferencváros, they dropped into the Europa League and recovered from an opening-leg loss to Shkëndija-78 to win 4-1 at home, before their memorable upset in Malmö.

Ludogorets have now scored 2+ goals in four of their last six games across all competitions, while averaging 1.89 goals per match this season.

That Malmö win was not only historic geographically, but also symbolically, breaking a cycle of underperformance in Europe.

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Malmo remain without the injured Aguibou Camara, while Georgi Terziev and Kwadwo Duah have not been included in the league phase squad due to their respective injury issues.

Real Betis, meanwhile, opened their UEL campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, before cruising to a 2-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga.

These results extend their unbeaten run to four matches (W2, D2), as manager Manuel Pellegrini continues to build his strong European record with just one loss in Betis’ last eight UEFA outings (W3, D4).

Pellegrini recently celebrated becoming the longest-serving manager in Betis' history, and he will be keen to extend that legacy with another deep European run, after reaching the UEFA Conference League final last season.

His side has been scoring consistently, averaging 1.57 goals per game, while 71% of their matches this season have ended with both teams scoring - a sign of both attacking intent and defensive vulnerability.

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Pellegrini will be without the injured Marc Bartra, Diego Llorente, Isco and Nelson Deossa.

Pablo Garcia is also unavailable for selection, with the youngster representing Spain at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile.

These sides previously met in the 2022/23 Europa League group stage, with Betis winning both encounters by a one-goal margin.

Those losses form part of Ludogorets’ ongoing struggles against Spanish sides - they have now lost nine consecutive matches against La Liga opposition.

Ludogorets come into this clash with strong domestic momentum, having gone unbeaten in their last nine home matches across all competitions (W7, D2).

However, their form in the UEFA Europa League tells a different story - they are winless in their last five UEL home games (D1, L4), highlighting their ongoing struggles to convert domestic dominance into European success.

Defensively, the Bulgarian champions have been worryingly consistent in the wrong areas.

They have conceded exactly two goals in each of their last four Europa League home fixtures.

While they have proven they can score, their inability to tighten up at the back could be costly against stronger opposition.

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In terms of overall goal trends, Ludogorets’ matches this season have averaged 2.22 total goals per game, with 33% of those fixtures ending with both teams scoring.

This suggests a tendency toward lower-scoring or one-sided contests - often dependent on whether they can strike early and manage the lead.

Real Betis, on the other hand, have had a more turbulent time on the road in Europe.

They have lost three of their last four UEL away games (W1), and their record in recent European travels raises legitimate questions about their defensive solidity away from Seville.

However, Betis compensate with attacking consistency.

They have scored at least once in 12 of their last 14 matches in all competitions, and five of their last six games have seen both teams score - making them a reliable contributor to high-scoring encounters.

Their matches average a notably high 2.57 total goals per game, with the majority of their goals coming in the first half, thanks in large part to sharp starts and early pressing.

These trends suggest a clash between Ludogorets' vulnerability at the back and Betis' early attacking threat - a dynamic that could dictate the rhythm and outcome of the match within the opening 30 minutes.

Key Pointers

Ludogorets have won 5 of their last 11 matches and are averaging 1.89 goals per game.

Real Betis have scored in 7 of their last 8 matches and are averaging 1.57 goals per game, but have conceded in most of those fixtures.

Betis’ recent away form in Europe is poor, but their squad depth and finishing edge could prove decisive.

Both teams are capable of scoring, but Betis have more consistent attacking outputs - with four players already on 2+ goals this season.

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Ludogorets’ confidence is high after making history in Malmö, but their struggles against Spanish clubs and poor UEL home form weigh heavily.

Betis, on the other hand, have experience, creativity, and a coach with a proven European pedigree.

Though vulnerable on the road, Betis arrive with momentum and the individual quality to edge tight contests - something they have managed in previous meetings between these two clubs.

Expect a tight match, but Betis’ sharper attacking edge and midfield control should see them take the points.

Prediction: Real Betis to Win

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