Dinamo Minsk vs Ludogorets

High-flying Ludogorets head to the Mezokovesdi Varosi Stadion to take on Dinamo Minsk in the return leg of their Champions League qualifying tie.

Though this was supposed to be Dinamo Minsk’s historic campaign as they sought a place in the Champions League group stages for the first time, a 2-0 first-leg loss in Bulgaria gives Vadim Skripchenko’s side a mountain to climb in the second leg. Without the comforts of their home, the Belarusian Premier League champions head to Mezőkövesdi, Hungary, looking to overturn a two-goal deficit and reach the third qualifying round of the Champions League for the first time. Leaving the Belarusian territory could be a blessing in disguise for Dinamo Minsk, considering they have won none of their last six European matches on home turf (D2, L4), failing to score more than once on each occasion. They must score at least two to take this tie to extra time, but that’s a feat they’ve not achieved across their last four competitive outings.

On the other hand, perennial Bulgarian champions Ludogorets have positioned themselves well ahead of the return leg, scoring twice before halftime last week to pick up a comfortable-looking lead. But there’s no room for complacency, considering the visitors slipped to a 1-0 away loss to Dinamo Batumi in the previous Champions League qualifying round. That remains Ludogorets’ only slip-up in four competitive games this season, as they’ve won the other three by an aggregate score of 6-1. Moreover, the Bulgarians enjoy facing Belarusian opposition, winning all four historic duels against such rivals without conceding. The only potential issue could be Ludogorets’ underwhelming form on their continental travels, which has seen them lose three of their last five (W1, D1).