Match Preview
Ludogorets welcome Ferencváros to Razgrad for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League knockout play-off tie. With the return match in Budapest still to come, this opener is all about control and discipline: the Bulgarian champions will want to turn home advantage into a lead, while Ferencváros will aim to manage the game and take a result back to Hungary.
Expect Ludogorets to start with intensity. At home, they often push the tempo early, look to win duels in midfield, and try to create momentum through quick forward passes and pressure after losing the ball. If they can keep Ferencváros pinned in their own half, corners and second balls can become a big part of the scoring threat.
Ferencváros arrive with a style that can travel well in Europe. They tend to stay organised without the ball, avoid opening the match unnecessarily, then attack with purpose when the space is there. In two-leg ties, that game management is valuable. One smart away moment can swing the balance of the whole matchup.
A key battle is how the match looks when Ludogorets attack with numbers. If Ferencváros can escape pressure and counter into open lanes, the visitors can create high-quality chances even without dominating possession. If Ludogorets keep their structure and protect against transitions, the home side can steadily build pressure across the 90 minutes.
First legs usually come down to details. Set pieces, decision-making in the final third, and how both teams handle the last 20 minutes will matter. A one-goal advantage is huge, but avoiding a “bad concession” is just as important before the second leg.
TV Broadcast and Livestreams
Europa League broadcast rights vary by country. For the correct channel in your region, check your local listings and streaming provider schedules on matchday.
Match Information
| Date | Thursday, 19 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Kick-off Time | 20:00 UTC |
| Venue | Huvepharma Arena, Razgrad, Bulgaria |
| Competition | UEFA Europa League 2025/26 – Knockout Round Play-offs (1st Leg) |
| 2nd Leg | Thursday, 26 February 2026 – Ferencváros Stadion, Budapest |
Odds (1X2)
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| 1 Ludogorets | N/A |
| X Draw | N/A |
| 2 Ferencváros | N/A |
Odds note: Prices differ by bookmaker and can change quickly. From a matchup perspective, the first leg often leans toward a tight game: Ludogorets have home energy, while Ferencváros have the structure to keep the tie under control.
Form and Head-to-Head
| Team | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Ludogorets | High-intensity home phases, quick pressure after turnovers, and strong focus on set pieces in tight European games. |
| Ferencváros | Organised away approach, patient defending, and direct attacks when space appears behind advanced full-backs. |
Head-to-Head: These clubs have met several times in recent European seasons, so there should be no surprises in style. That familiarity usually increases caution in the first leg, with both teams prioritising shape and risk management.
Key Tactical Notes
- Ludogorets’ key: turn home momentum into clear chances without getting exposed to counters.
- Ferencváros’ key: survive the early pressure, then attack quickly when Ludogorets commit numbers forward.
- Set pieces: corners and wide free kicks can decide a tight first leg.
- Game state: the first goal changes the tie especially before the return match in Budapest.
Prediction
Final Score Prediction: Ludogorets 1-1 Ferencváros
Prediction: Ludogorets should have strong spells at home, but Ferencváros have the organisation to stay in the tie and carry a good result into the second leg. A draw feels like a realistic outcome, leaving everything open for Budapest.
Suggested lean: Under 3.5 goals • Ferencváros double chance (X2) • Both teams to score (smaller stake)