In an extremely contested match from the second round of the First League, the champions Ludogorets managed to secure a minimal victory against the hosts Botev Vratsa with a 1:0 result, thanks to a fatal own goal in the final minutes of the match.
The match was played with extremely balanced play, with the guests from Razgrad demonstrating some superiority in ball possession, but encountered serious resistance from the hosts. The experimental tactical setup by coach Rui Mota failed to break through Vratsa's defense during the first half of the match.
The first more dangerous moments in front of the goals came only around the 23rd minute, when Ludogorets' defender Son attempted a shot, and shortly after, Stanislav Ivanov also tried to surprise goalkeeper Dimitar Evtimov. The hosts responded with an attack by Daniel Genov, which was stopped by goalkeeper Hendrick Bonman.
The second half of the match offered even more dynamic play with a series of missed opportunities. Naiden-Genov had a great chance to score when he came out alone against the goalkeeper, but hit the outside of the post. Emerson Rodriguez also failed to realize a hundred-percent opportunity for Ludogorets.
The dramatic end of the match came in the final minutes of added time. With a cross from Son, Botev Vratsa defender Antoan Stoyanov inadvertently directed the ball into his own goal, thus deciding the outcome of the match.
With this victory, Ludogorets maintains its full six points, while Botev Vratsa remains with 1 point. An interesting fact is that the hosts failed to score a goal against the "eagles" once again.
Referee Valentin Zhelezov managed the match, which proceeded in a correct and sportsmanlike atmosphere, with a total of six yellow cards - four for Botev Vratsa and two for Ludogorets.
Coach Hristo Yanev from Botev Vratsa can be satisfied with the performance of his players, who stood up worthily against the current champions, even though they failed to win at least a point.