Ludogorets in the current season leaves a double impression: in the Bulgarian championship it has 12 victories in 13 fights. But in the Europa League, the hosts are transforming and playing very poorly. After three rounds Igor Jovicivec’s charges have only one point and zero goals scored. The head coach chose a purely defensive scheme for the Europa League, although the past opponents are hardly superior to Ludogorets in terms of squad selection. This tactical approach was clearly flawed, as the hosts did not use their best quality – quick attack.
Athletic Bilbao have picked up a good form and lost only one match since September 2024, taking into account all tournaments. The club is sixth in the La Liga standings. In the Europa League, Athletic scored seven points and occupies the eighth line in the overall table of the draw. Guests away played a draw with Roma, and were closer to victory than the opponent. Then they easily defeated AZ and Slavia.