Match Preview

A crucial UEFA Europa League league phase fixture awaits in Razgrad as Ludogorets welcome high flying Celta Vigo to the Ludogorets Arena. The Bulgarian champions are chasing vital points to stay alive in the race for the knockout rounds, while the Spanish side arrive in Bulgaria with momentum and a strong position in the overall table after an impressive start to their European campaign.

This clash is scheduled for Thursday 27 November 2025, with kick-off at 19:45 local time in Razgrad (Eastern European Time, UTC+2). It forms part of the new league phase format of the UEFA Europa League 2025-26, where every point can be decisive in the race to finish high enough in the combined standings to secure direct passage to the later rounds or at least a play-off spot.

For Ludogorets, the Europa League has become familiar territory. The Bulgarian side are used to balancing domestic dominance with European challenges. However, results so far in this league phase have left them near the lower half of the table, sitting around the 29th spot with approximately 3 points, according to combined rankings. They have been competitive but inconsistent, often finding themselves punished for defensive lapses against stronger opposition such as Real Betis, Young Boys and Ferencvaros.

Their recent European form tells the same story. A 1-3 defeat away to Ferencvaros, a 2-3 loss at Young Boys and a 0-2 home reverse against Real Betis underline how difficult it has been to keep clean sheets against high level attacking units. At the same time, wins against Malmo FF and S’dija Tetovo show that Ludogorets still carry enough quality in transition and set plays to threaten any opponent, especially in front of their own supporters in Razgrad.

On the other side, Celta Vigo arrive in Bulgaria in significantly better shape. The Galician club have been one of the positive stories of this Europa League league phase, currently occupying a strong top 5 position in the combined standings with around 9 points. Their European campaign has included a statement 3-0 victory away at Dinamo Zagreb and a hard fought home win against Nice, results that underline their capacity to perform both at home and away.

Domestically, Celta Vigo have been involved in intense La Liga battles. A recent 4-2 home defeat against Barcelona may look negative on paper, but the performance showed that Celta can create chances and score against elite opposition. They also collected valuable Liga wins on the road at Levante and Osasuna, while progressing in the Copa del Rey with a professional 2-0 away victory over Puerto de Vega. Overall, Celta are combining solid defensive periods with quick attacking combinations and dangerous wide play.

The tactical battle should be fascinating. Ludogorets are expected to set up in a compact shape, looking to protect central areas and hit on the break using their pace in wide channels. Their full backs and wingers will be key when transitioning from defense to attack, and set pieces are likely to be a big part of their game plan. A loud home crowd at the Ludogorets Arena will push them to be aggressive from the start, but they also know they must avoid leaving space behind the defensive line against a technical Celta side.

Celta Vigo typically prefer to control possession and build patiently from the back. Their midfield structure allows them to rotate positions, drag opponents out of shape and create overloads between the lines. With creative players capable of threading passes into the box and forwards who time their runs well, Celta will look to dominate the ball, pin Ludogorets deep and force defensive mistakes. At the same time, the Spaniards must remain focused when Ludogorets counter, especially from turnovers in midfield.

One of the key storylines of this match is that it is the first ever competitive meeting between Ludogorets and Celta Vigo in European competition. Without direct head to head history to rely on, both coaching staffs must build their game plans from video analysis and recent form rather than previous duels. This can sometimes create unpredictable scenarios, as each side tries to spring tactical surprises in order to gain an advantage.

From a standings perspective, the stakes are very clear. Ludogorets need a positive result to climb away from the lower end of the league phase table and keep realistic hopes of advancing. A win would not only boost their points total but also send a signal that Razgrad remains a difficult ground for visiting sides in Europe. A draw would be useful but might not be enough given how competitive the league phase has been.

For Celta Vigo, victory in Bulgaria would strengthen their position in the top positions of the table, moving them closer to securing at least a direct place in the later rounds. Even a draw away from home would not be a disaster given their existing points cushion, but they will travel with the clear objective of winning, especially after proving in Zagreb that they can control tough away fixtures.

The local context also matters. The match is played in Razgrad, Bulgaria, where football is hugely popular and European nights are always special occasions. The local language is Bulgarian and the game operates on Eastern European Time (EET, UTC+2), which is important for international viewers who need to align their schedules and streaming plans. Chilly late November conditions could favor the more accustomed Ludogorets players, but professional European sides like Celta are used to adapting to various climates across the continent.

With Celta Vigo shown as clear favorites in the betting markets and Ludogorets eager to prove those odds wrong in front of their home crowd, this league phase clash promises a compelling mix of tactical nuance, individual quality and pure competitive tension. Every duel, every second ball and every set piece could prove decisive in a match that will shape the European trajectory of both clubs.

TV Broadcast and Livestreams

The Ludogorets vs Celta Vigo Europa League match will be available globally via UEFA broadcast partners for the 2024-27 cycle. Exact channels may vary by territory, but typical options include:

• Bulgaria: Live coverage on bTV and Max Sport, the main rights holders for UEFA club competitions.
• United Kingdom and Ireland: Live on TNT Sports with streaming via Discovery+ and the TNT Sports app.
• Spain: Coverage on Movistar Plus+, including multiscreen and streaming options.
• United States: Streaming on Paramount+, with Spanish language coverage across TelevisaUnivision networks such as TUDN and Univision.
• Other European territories: Various partners such as DAZN, Canal+, RTL, Sport TV and national broadcasters, depending on the country.

Fans are advised to check local listings, club websites and UEFA listings on match day for confirmed TV broadcast and live stream details in their region, as schedule adjustments and channel allocations can change close to kick-off.

Match Information

Odds (1X2)

Leading bookmakers currently rate Celta Vigo as favorites for this match. Representative 1X2 odds from the win market are approximately:

These odds may fluctuate before kick-off as team news and betting volumes evolve, so anyone placing wagers should always check live markets on their chosen licensed bookmaker platform.

Form and Head-to-Head

Last 5 Results – Ludogorets

Last 5 Results – Celta Vigo

Head-to-Head Record

According to available statistical databases, this will be the first official meeting between Ludogorets and Celta Vigo in European competition. There are no previous competitive matches recorded between the two clubs, making this Europa League tie a fresh tactical and psychological contest.

Standings

In the unified Europa League league phase table, both teams occupy very different positions going into this match.

These positions highlight the different trajectories of the two sides in this season’s Europa League. Ludogorets are fighting to climb away from the lower part of the table, while Celta Vigo aim to consolidate their place among the top contenders for direct progression to the later rounds.

Prediction

Taking into account form, squad depth, confidence and current Europa League standings, Celta Vigo enter this match as justified favorites. Their recent away displays, especially the convincing win in Zagreb, show that they can manage difficult European environments with composure. Their attack has been productive, and they have found a good balance between control in possession and verticality in transition.

Ludogorets, however, are not to be underestimated at home. The Bulgarian champions regularly raise their level in Razgrad, and they have enough quality in wide areas and from set pieces to trouble Celta’s defensive line. If they start aggressively and manage to score first, the match could become very uncomfortable for the visitors, especially if the home crowd senses a famous European night in the making.

Nevertheless, based on current evidence, the most likely outcome is that Celta Vigo will eventually impose their technical superiority and take control of the key phases of the game. Ludogorets may create chances, but sustaining defensive concentration for the full 90 minutes against a dynamic Spanish side will be a serious challenge.

Prediction: Ludogorets 1 – 2 Celta Vigo

Expect Celta Vigo to dominate possession, create more clear chances and edge the match, while Ludogorets rely on counters and set pieces to stay competitive on the scoreboard. A tight away win for Celta fits both the recent form patterns and the current odds picture.