Pieros Sotiriou netted a brace in the opening half to help bolster Ludogorets' ambitions of returning to the Champions League, they take a 3-0 advantage to Tallaght next week.

The European regulars showed just why they have won every league title in Bulgaria since promotion in 2011, European regulars also as they put the Hoops to the sword in this first-leg qualifier.

Rovers had chances but could not deliver, zero shots on target leaves them a huge mountain to climb in their backyard next week, plenty to assess only the third time Stephen Bradley has lost in Europe.

The hosts controlled possession early, but the Hoops did well to block any attempt at goal, it was scrappy early but the opposition goal was hardly ever attacked, the ball more in the Rovers half during the half, Alex Santana had their first major chance but it flashed wide.

Ludogorets were pressing and pressing and by the 26th minute they had the opener, Cauly Souza with a cross on the right Sotiriou with the header, out muscling Sean Hoare to head into the top corner, Alan Mannus rooted to his spot as the red hot favourites had all the momentum.

Mannus was needed to deny Santana, the possession and attacking power of the hosts coming to light, Rovers with zero attempts on target in the half, while the Bulgarian outfit laid siege testing the might of the Hoops back five, Sotiriou made it 2-0 with 35 minutes elapsed, he was quickest to turn home a Rick effort that was cleared off the line, Souza tormenting backline once more, waltzing his way into the box, his cross setting up the flow of the attack.

It looked as if it was 3-0 seconds later, Sotiriou with the ball in the net once more but the linesman had the flag up for offside, let off for Rovers as they looked wilted once the second goal found it’s way past Mannus. Sotiriou hit the woodwork toward the end of the half, before Souza had Mannus diving well to tip his effort from outside the area over the bar, 2-0 at the break, comfortable for Ludogorets.

While it looked like a second half whitewash could be on the cards, the Irish league champions showed they should not be taken too lightly, giving the hosts a tougher time of it in the second half.

Rovers were better in the second half, their best early chance of the game coming from a Graham Burke corner, Andy Lyons looking to put the ball in the net but just wide of the goal, looked to have been fouled just as he was aiming for the target.

All the momentum was with Rovers. Burke having the first shot to test Ludogorets keeper Sergio Padt after 82 minutes, however, a late Igor Thiago strikes leaves Rovers needing four goals, if they want to remain in the Champions League Qualifiers, plenty to improve on with just one shot on target this evening.