Betis Sees Upbeat Finish With 0-1 Victory Over Ludogorets
Betis traveled to Razgrad seeking a decisive result to secure top position in Group C. The Bulgarian side Ludogorets pushed hard in the first half, creating several quality chances and testing Claudio Bravo early on. Yet the Spaniards steadied themselves after the break, and a well-timed intervention from Nabil Fekir shifted the momentum, sealing a 0-1 win for Betis with the decisive goal in the second half. The result left Betis closer to clinching the group, while Ludogorets finished with motivation but could not overturn the deficit.
The hosts showed ambition from the outset, pressing Betis high and exploiting gaps on the flanks. Their best moments arrived through quick transitions and direct runs in the final third, with shots from Jhonatan Lima and Cauly Olivera forcing Bravo into action. The visiting goalkeeper answered the challenge, keeping the scoreline level as the first half wore on. Injury concerns also emerged for Betis, as winger Joaquín Sánchez and midfielder Guido Rodríguez left the field within the half hour, prompting strategic reshuffles for the visitors.
Betis approached the second period with renewed intent. Manager Manuel Pellegrini introduced Álex Moreno at left-back and reintroduced Fekir to bolster the creative spine. The changes paid dividends when Betis finally nicked ahead just before the 60th minute. Fekir found the net in a composed finish after a controlled buildup and smart movement between the lines, placing Betis in a favorable position to chase another goal and close the game with control rather than risk in the final moments.
Despite conceding a goal, Ludogorets did not abandon their attacking spirit. The Bulgarian side continued to press for an equalizer, testing the Betis defense with persistent attacks and forcing Bravo into additional saves. The visitors looked for openings on the break, but Betis maintained discipline and composure, using the middle of the second half to manage the tempo and protect the lead.
Throughout the match, Betis kept the ball in the opposition half more often than not, working through the midfield to unlock compact Ludogorets lines. The absence of a second goal did not dampen the Spaniards’ resolve; instead, it highlighted the balance of play and the strategic importance of controlling the pace when a lead is at stake. As the game progressed, Betis gradually asserted dominance and managed to maintain a slim advantage as the clock wound down.
The match also featured moments of physicality and resilience from both sides. Ludogorets continued to push forward, while Betis stayed compact, disciplined, and ready to counter when opportunities appeared. The outcome reinforced Betis’ group position heading into the final rounds of the competition, with the focus turning to the next fixture against their Italian opponent in a bid to seal advancement to the knockout stage.
In terms of team sheets, Ludogorets featured a structure built on pace and counterattacks, with Brazilian players contributing prominently in the attacking phase. Betis relied on a blend of seasoned leadership and youthful energy, as illustrated by the entrance of Enrique Fernández to add fresh legs in the closing stages. The match ultimately delivered the kind of result that can shape the remainder of the campaign for both sides.
Data sheet: The clash took place in Razgrad, Bulgaria, with around eleven thousand spectators in attendance, a crowd that reflected a keen interest in the Group C encounter. The lineups saw Betis with Bravo anchoring a defensive line including Aitor Ruibal, Édgar, Victor Ruiz, and Miranda, while the middle and forward lines featured Akouokou, Guido Rodríguez, Joaquín, Canales, Rodri, and Willian José. Ludogorets lined up with Pad in goal, a back line featuring Cicinho, Verdon, Nedyalkov, and Witry, and a midfield trio that included Piotrowski, Cauly, and Naressi, with front men Thiago, Tekpetey, and Rick taking the lead. The solitary goal, credited to Fekir, arrived in the 56th minute, under the watch of referee Harald Lechner from Austria. The match marked a pivotal point in the group standings as the competition progressed.