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 clinched the Bulgarian championship for the 14th consecutive time, earning a spot in the Champions League. Last season, Ludogorets reached the third qualifying round of the main European tournament, where they were defeated by Qarabag. Following this, the Bulgarians dropped to the Europa League, finishing 33rd in the group stage without 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.
- The Bulgarians have not lost in 10 of their last 12 home matches in the Champions League (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 last Belarusian championship. Last season, Dinamo Minsk reached the second round of the Champions League, where they were defeated by Ludogorets (1:0, 0:2). Following this, the team dropped to the Europa League but did not stay long. In the Conference League group stage, Vadim Skrypchenko's team finished 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 matches in European competitions, the club failed to score against opponents.
Predicted lineup for Dinamo Minsk (4-5-1)
Denis Shpakovsky – Vadim Pigas, Roman Begunov, Alexei Gavrilovich, Pavel Apetenok – Fard Ibrahim, Maxim Myakish, Karen Vardanyan, Yevgeny Malashevich, Fawaz Abdullahi – Dusan Bakic.
Referee
Christian-Petru Ciocirca (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%.
Match Prediction: Ludogorets vs. Dinamo Minsk
The Bulgarian championship starts only in the third decade of July, but the lack of match practice in official games has never hindered Ludogorets from performing well in the Champions League qualifiers. Last year, the club easily defeated the upcoming opponent (2:0). Overall, the team boasts 8 wins in their last 12 home matches in the Champions League (2 draws, 2 losses). Notably, the Bulgarians have been prolific in scoring, netting at least two goals in 9 of these matches.
Reaching the second qualifying round is the highest achievement for Dinamo Minsk in the Champions League. It will be very challenging for the Belarusians to reach this stage this season. Vadim Skrypchenko's team faces a superior opponent who regularly competes in the Champions League. Furthermore, Dinamo Minsk has lost 6 consecutive away matches in European competitions, conceding 14 goals during this period.
My prediction: Ludogorets to win and individual total over 1.5 goals
