Video
Details
Date | Time | League | Season |
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19 July 2022 | 6:45 pm | UEFA Champions League | 2022/23 |
Match Report
Shamrock Rovers with work to do in UCL 2nd leg after defeat to Ludogorets in Bulgaria
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.
Timeline
19. Pieros Sotiriou | 26' | |
19. Pieros Sotiriou | 35' | |
47' | 20. Rory Gaffney | |
23. Manuel Cafumana | 53' | |
73. Rick | 57' | |
60' | Dylan Watts Graham Burke | |
Bernard Tekpetey Kiril Despodov | 70' | |
76' | Ronan Finn Sean Gannon | |
Rick Spas Delev | 78' | |
78' | Richie Towell Sean Kavanagh | |
4. Cicinho | 86' | |
Pieros Sotiriou Igor Thiago | 89' | |
Cauly Souza Matías Tissera | 89' | |
9. Igor Thiago | 90+3' |
Ground
Huvepharma Arena |
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Huvepharma Arena, Razgrad, Bulgaria |
Igor Thiago off the bench makes it 3-0 as Rovers fall to defeat in Bulgaria
Four minuets of added time
Souza goes off after a great night, Matías Tissera in to replace him
Cicinho booked for the hosts
For the hosts Spas Delev replaces Rick
Rovers go to the well again Sean Kavanagh coming in for Richie Towell
Second sub for Rovers as Sean Gannon is in for Ronan Finn
Rovers much the better in the second half but just cannot score or test the keeper
Kiril Despodov replaces Bernard Tekpetey
Richie Towell also goes into the referees notebook
First change for Rovers as Graham Burke replaces Dylan Watts
Rick the next player from Ludogorets who goes into the book
Manuel Cafumana carded for a shoulder
Rory Gaffney picks up a yellow for a poor decision swinging his arm back
We are underway for the second half
Half time in Bulgaria, Rovers trail 2-0, Pieros Sotiriou with both as they are all on top of the Irish champions
Two minutes added on
Alan Mannus does well to make sure it is not 3-0 to the hosts, what a fine stop by the veteran keeper
Its 2-0 and Pieros Sotiriou has his second, he is quickest to turn home a Rick effort that was cleared off the line all coming from Cauly who waltzed into the defence
Pieros Sotiriou has the hosts in front with a header beating Sean Hoare in the air
Neither side has tested the keeper, neither team looking to make an early error
Kick off in Bulgaria
Four clean sheets in six European ties, with Stephen Bradley having 7 appearances before tonight in Europe as a manager, they have 5 wins and will aim for six this evening
Ludogorets are the Bulgarian league champions and will have it all going their way on paper, a test for the five back this evening as they bring goals
Rory Gaffney will be the front man with Watts and Towell beside him, Ronan Finn earns his 50th European appearance this evening as he starts at right wing back
Shamrock Rovers bid to remain in the Champions League, tough opposition stand in their way, Ludogorets have been here before on numerous occasion and have graced the group stages, Rovers have it all to play for once their heads don't drop my name is Diarmuid Kearney and I will update you this evening