Ballkani vs Ludogorets

In an exciting bid to secure a coveted spot in the Champions League group stage, KF Ballkani and Ludogorets Razgrad are set to face each other in the first-round qualifying tie. The Kosovan champions will host their Bulgarian counterparts at the Pristina City Stadium, with the second leg scheduled to take place in Razgrad next week.

Ludogorets, aiming to be one of the six teams to reach the prestigious group phase through qualifying, commences their 2023-24 campaign shortly after Manchester City's triumph as European champions in Istanbul. Joining several other national champions in the first round, the Bulgarian First League winners have relatively recent experience in Europe's top club competition. They successfully made it to the group stage in both 2014 and 2016.

In the most recent Europa League, the Razgrad club secured a respectable third-place finish in Group C. They recorded victories against Roma and HJK Helsinki at home, having previously been eliminated in the third round of Champions League qualifying by Dinamo Zagreb.

While Ludogorets is yet to progress to the knockout stages of any UEFA competition, their dominance in the Bulgarian domestic league remains undeniable. In June, they clinched their unprecedented 12th consecutive Bulgarian title, sealing their glory with a 1-0 win over Cherno More on the final day. Argentine forward Matias Tissera scored his 12th league goal, following a corner delivered by Bulgaria captain Kiril Despodov. This ensured that the Eagles finished the season with 85 points, just one point ahead of the formidable Sofia giants, CSKA.

Coach Ivaylo Petev, who guided Ludogorets to their recent triumph, has led the team to three pre-season wins following a short summer break. Their most recent victory came in the form of a 2-0 defeat of Universitatea Craiova in the Bulgarian Cup final. With a positive pre-season behind them, the team is brimming with confidence and aiming to build on their recent achievements as they embark on their European campaign.

Meanwhile, Ballkani concluded their successful campaign in the Kosovan Superleague by winning three of their last four matches, finishing three points ahead of their closest challengers, FC Drita. This marked their second consecutive league title after securing their first national league success the previous year. Now, Ballkani sets its sights on defying expectations and making further progress in European competitions.

Last summer, they faced a setback in the first qualifying round against Latvia's Zalgiris before making history as the first Kosovan club to reach the group stage of the Conference League. Although they finished fourth in Group G, they left a lasting impact with a thrilling 4-3 victory against Turkish side Sivasspor, thanks to Ermal Krasniqi's dramatic late winner, which secured their only win of the campaign.

After a friendly draw of 2-2 against North Macedonia's FC Struga, Ballkani is eager to return to European competition. However, due to their home ground not meeting UEFA requirements, they will be hosting their fixtures at the Pristina City Stadium.

Both KF Ballkani and Ludogorets Razgrad enter the qualifying tie with a burning desire to secure their place in the Champions League group stage. They draw inspiration from their recent accomplishments in European and domestic competitions, serving as a testament to their determination and ambition. As the anticipation builds, fans eagerly await the clash between these two teams, poised to witness an intense battle for European glory.

The journey towards the Champions League group stage represents a significant milestone for both clubs. The chance to compete against Europe's finest teams and showcase their skills on the grand stage is a dream that drives their every move. Each player will give their all, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for victory.

BALLKANI VS LUDOGORETS!