Ludogorets failed to find their way to a new victory in the Europa League, finishing with a spectacular 3:3 draw against PAOK at the "Huvepharma Arena" stadium. The current champions in the First League remained a step away from success against Kiril Despodov and PAOK in a dramatic match from the sixth round.
Petar Stanich, Olivier Verdon, and Ivaylo Chochev became goalscorers for the Razgrad team, while the authors of the goals for the Greeks were the captain of the Bulgarian national team, Alessandro Volyakov, and Anestetis Mitu. Despodov also contributed with an assist. The match offered many twists and turns, with Per-Mathias Högmo's selection taking the lead in the last one, but in the end, they had to settle for only a point, earned by Razvan Lucescu's team.
In this way, the "eagles" continue to be in 24th position in the provisional standings with 7 points and among the places that give the right to participate in the qualifying round, while the "black and whites" also retain chances for the next phase, taking 15th place with 9.
The next match in the second most powerful tournament on the Old Continent will be on January 22, when Ludogorets will visit Glasgow Rangers, while Despodov and company will host Betis.
Match development:
- Early attacks and misses from both teams.
- Stanich opens the score for Ludogorets.
- Despodov equalizes for PAOK.
- Volyakov gives the guests an advantage.
- Verdon restores the tie.
- Chochev puts Ludogorets ahead.
- Mitu equalizes in the last minutes.
In added time, Bonmann saves Ludogorets from a loss.