At 2:00 AM on July 25th, Bulgarian powerhouse Ludogorets will host Belarusian giants Dinamo Minsk in the first leg of the 2024/25 Champions League qualifying round second stage. In the first stage, Ludogorets eliminated Georgian team Dinamo Batumi 3:2 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Dinamo Minsk narrowly defeated FC Pyunik Yerevan 1:0 on aggregate.
Ludogorets is the reigning league champion. The new season of the Bulgarian First League has just begun, with Ludogorets defeating CSKA Sofia 1:0 in their first game. Ludogorets is no stranger to the Champions League history, despite often falling short in the qualifying rounds, they have left their mark in the only two times they reached the group stage. In the 2014/15 season, despite finishing fourth in the group, they drew 2:2 with Liverpool. In the 2016/17 season, they finished third in the group but managed to draw 2:2 with Paris Saint-Germain. While they are still seen as underdogs, they are not a team to be underestimated. Last season, Ludogorets was eliminated in the second stage of the Champions League qualifying rounds.
Dinamo Minsk has experienced a resurgence in recent seasons. Last season, they became the Belarusian Premier League champion for the first time in 19 years. This season, Dinamo Minsk has continued their strong form from last season. After 15 rounds, they are unbeaten with 10 wins and 5 draws, currently leading the league table. However, they have never made it to the Champions League group stage. Their closest attempt was in the 1993/94 season, but they were eliminated in the first stage by Werder Bremen 6:3 on aggregate.
Ludogorets is known for their balanced attack and defense, but that balance can be called into question when facing opponents significantly stronger than them. Last season, they scored 78 goals and conceded 15 goals in the league, proving their dominance on both ends of the field. In their two previous Champions League group stages, Ludogorets has shown strong resilience in defense, with their players cherishing these hard-earned opportunities in the highest echelon of European football.
Similarly, Dinamo Minsk has been dominant in their domestic league. However, they struggle in European competitions. Their attacking prowess often diminishes, relying solely on their defensive strength to hold their opponents. This was evident in their last match against FC Pyunik Yerevan. They only managed to advance after securing a penalty in the final moments. Throughout the game, Minsk only managed one shot on target. Had their opponent been more potent in attack, Minsk might have been eliminated in the first stage.
Historically, these two teams have never met. This is a true encounter between unfamiliar foes, with Dinamo Minsk perhaps holding a slight edge in mystery, given their limited appearances on the big stage.
Ahead of the new season, Ludogorets has made significant investments in the transfer market, spending over €4 million. They brought in defender Kurtulus from Hammarby and attacker Camara from Olympiakos. These acquisitions undoubtedly enhance the team’s overall strength. Meanwhile, Minsk maintained their zero-investment approach, continuing to recruit free agents. They acquired Bahar from Arsenal Tula and Alfred from Maccabi Herzliya. However, in terms of player reputation and overall quality, they clearly fall short compared to Ludogorets.
Rodogorets hopes to return to the Champions League group stage after years of absence, while Dinamo Minsk aims to write a new chapter in their European history. Only time will tell which team will prevail.
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