Match Preview

The revamped UEFA Europa League 2025/26 – League Phase reaches its decisive final round as Ludogorets Razgrad host OGC Nice at the Huvepharma Arena in Razgrad. Under the new 36-team league format, every game feeds into a single overall table – and this Matchday 8 clash still carries big consequences for both clubs.

Ludogorets come into the fixture with a mixed but dangerous profile. After five league-phase games they have a record of 2 wins and 3 defeats, scoring 8 goals and conceding 11, for 6 points and a goal difference of −3. They sit in the lower half of the table but remain very much in the race to climb into a better position on the final day. A thrilling 3–2 home win over Celta Vigo on Matchday 5 showcased their attacking potential and the intensity they can produce in front of their own fans.

For Nice, the league phase has been a nightmare so far. The French side are still searching for their first point of the campaign, with 0 wins, 0 draws and 5 defeats. They have scored only 4 goals and conceded 12, leaving them on 0 points and bottom of the overall Europa League standings. Heavy losses such as the 3–0 defeat away to FC Porto, combined with a string of Ligue 1 setbacks, have created a difficult context for their trip to Bulgaria.

This sets up a classic scenario: a home team with confidence from a big recent win and a visiting side desperate to stop the rot. Ludogorets will look to harness the atmosphere in Razgrad and build on their strong attacking displays, while Nice know that anything less than a positive result would confirm a deeply disappointing European campaign.

TV Broadcast and Livestreams

The Ludogorets vs Nice match will be available via multiple official Europa League broadcast partners. In the UK, coverage is scheduled in the usual Thursday evening slot on TNT Sports, while many European territories will show the game on platforms such as DAZN or domestic pay-TV networks. Outside Europe, fans can typically follow the action through broadcasters like ESPN, beIN Sports, Paramount+ and regional rights holders.

Supporters should always check local listings and official competition information to confirm exact channels and streaming services in their country.

Match Information

Form Guide and League-Phase Records

Ludogorets recent form: The Bulgarian champions’ European campaign turned sharply in their favour on Matchday 5, when they defeated Celta Vigo 3–2 in a dramatic home match highlighted by a hat-trick from Petar Stanic. That result followed a domestic league win away to Septemvri Sofia (2–0), though they also suffered a 3–2 home defeat to Arda in the Bulgarian league, underlining their tendency towards high-scoring, open games.

Nice recent form: Nice travel to Bulgaria in poor shape. Their last four Ligue 1 fixtures before this match include a 3–1 defeat at Lorient, a heavy 5–1 home loss to Marseille and a 2–1 loss at Metz. In Europe, they were well beaten 3–0 away at FC Porto and previously lost narrowly to Roma, leaving them bottom of the league-phase standings with no points and a damaged goal difference.

Head-to-Head and Context

Ludogorets and Nice have not built up any long-term rivalry in European competition, and meetings between the clubs have been rare. This adds a fresh edge to the tie: both teams are facing an opponent they do not regularly encounter, which places extra emphasis on scouting, preparation and in-game adjustments.

The broader context also matters. Ludogorets have become seasoned European competitors over the past decade, regularly appearing in the Europa League and occasionally in the Champions League. Nice, meanwhile, are seeking to re-establish themselves on the continental stage but have struggled badly in this particular campaign, making this trip to Razgrad a chance to restore some pride.

Tactical Outlook

How Ludogorets are likely to play

At home, Ludogorets are expected to be proactive and high-tempo. Their game plan will likely include:

• Building quickly through midfield, using mobile central players to carry the ball and draw defenders out of position.
• Attacking with width, asking wingers and full-backs to stretch Nice’s back line and deliver dangerous crosses and cut-backs.
• Pressing aggressively after losing possession, particularly in the opposition half, to keep Nice pinned back and force errors.
• Making the most of set-pieces, where their organisation and aerial threat can pressure a defence low on confidence.

Where Nice can still threaten

Despite their results, Nice possess enough individual quality to cause problems if Ludogorets switch off. The French side may try to:

• Stay compact in a mid-block, inviting Ludogorets forward and looking to hit quickly in transition.
• Exploit any gaps left by Ludogorets’ attacking full-backs, using pace in wide areas to break into space behind the defence.
• Target one-on-one situations in the final third, relying on dribblers and creative players to carve out chances.
• Slow the tempo at times to disrupt the rhythm of the hosts and quieten the Razgrad crowd.

If Ludogorets can maintain concentration and avoid cheap turnovers, their current momentum and home support should give them the edge. But if they overcommit and leave space in behind, Nice have enough talent to punish them, even after a difficult run of results.

Standings Context – League-Phase Table

*Positions based on current Europa League league-phase standings prior to Matchday 8.

Match Outlook and Prediction

Predicted Final Score: Ludogorets 2–0 Nice

Considering form, table position and home advantage, Ludogorets look well placed to take all three points. Their recent win over Celta Vigo has boosted confidence, and their attack has shown it can exploit vulnerable defences. In contrast, Nice arrive on the back of a run of heavy defeats domestically and in Europe, with defensive issues and low morale both clearly visible.

If Ludogorets maintain the aggression and sharpness they displayed on Matchday 5, a solid home victory feels like the most likely outcome. Nice will certainly fight to avoid a sixth straight defeat, but they will need a major improvement at both ends of the pitch to get a result in Razgrad.

The projected result is therefore a 2–0 win for Ludogorets: a scoreline that reflects their stronger form and the momentum gained late in the league phase, while acknowledging that Nice still have enough quality to make the game competitive if they can finally produce a more complete performance.

Important: This prediction is based purely on football analysis and is not betting advice. Any form of gambling is strictly for adults, must follow local laws and should always be approached responsibly.