The first qualifying round match of the 2025/26 Champions League between Ludogorets (Bulgaria) and Dinamo Minsk (Belarus) will take place on July 9 at the Ludogorets Arena in Razgrad. Ludogorets vs. Dinamo Minsk: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Ludogorets
The team has won the Bulgarian championship for the 14th consecutive time, earning a spot in the Champions League. Last season, in Europe's premier tournament, Ludogorets reached the third qualifying round, where they were defeated by Qarabag. Subsequently, the Bulgarians moved to the Europa League, where they finished 33rd in the group stage, failing to secure a single win (4 draws, 4 losses).
In the off-season, Rui Mota became the team's new coach.
- The club has conceded in 7 of their last 8 Champions League matches.
- At least three goals have been scored in 5 of Ludogorets' last 7 home games in this tournament.
- At home, the Bulgarians have avoided defeat in 10 of their last 12 Champions League encounters (8 wins, 2 draws).
Predicted lineup for Ludogorets (4-3-3)
Hendrik Bonmann – Elisei Sarov, Olivier Verdon, Deroy Duarte, Aslak Witry – Todor Nedelev, Pedro Naressi, Simeon Shishkov – Emerson Rodriguez, Eric Bille, Ryan Ivanov.
Dinamo Minsk
The club earned the right to play in the Champions League by winning the recent Belarusian championship. Last season, Dinamo Minsk reached the second round of the Champions League, where they were defeated by Ludogorets (1:0, 0:2). After that, the team moved to the Europa League but didn't last long there. They then participated in the Conference League group stage, finishing 33rd. In the national championship, Dinamo Minsk currently holds the 4th position.
- At least one opponent failed to score in 6 of the Belarusians' last 8 European matches.
- The team has lost 8 of their last 9 international matches.
- In 5 of their last 6 away European matches, the club failed to score.
Predicted lineup for Dinamo Minsk (4-5-1)
Denis Shpakovsky – Vadim Pigas, Roman Begunov, Alexey Gavrilovich, Pavel Apetenok – Fard Ibrahim, Maxim Myakish, Karen Vardanyan, Evgeny Malashevich, Fawaz Abdullahi – Dusan Bakic.
Referee
Christian-Petru Chiochirca (Austria)
Matches – 6 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 23;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.8;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 50%.
Ludogorets vs. Dinamo Minsk: Match Prediction
The Bulgarian championship starts only in the third decade of July, yet the lack of official match practice has never hindered Ludogorets from performing well in Champions League qualifiers. Last year, the club comfortably defeated their upcoming opponent (2:0). Overall, the team boasts 8 wins in their last 12 home Champions League matches (2 draws, 2 losses). It's worth noting the good scoring form of the Bulgarians, who have netted at least two goals in 9 of these encounters.
Reaching the second qualifying round is the highest achievement for Dinamo Minsk in the Champions League. Reaching this stage in the current season will be very challenging for the Belarusians. Vadim Skripchenko's side is up against a superior opponent who regularly competes in the Champions League. Additionally, Dinamo Minsk has lost 6 consecutive away matches in European competitions, conceding 14 goals during this period.
My prediction: Ludogorets to win and ITB1 1.5
