Europa League play-off: Fradi take one-goal deficit home from Bulgaria

2026. február. 19., 23:09 |

Ferencváros suffered a narrow 2-1 loss at the hands of Ludogorets in Bulgaria on Thursday evening, but they will look to next week's second leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off in Budapest with optimism, knowing they are still very much in with a chance of securing their place in the last 16.

The hosts had taken a 23rd-minute lead through Swiss forward Kwadwo Duah but that lead lasted only four minutes before Bamidele Yusuf levelled matters for Ferencváros. Robbie Keane's men created chances to edge in front before half-time, but none were taken and instead the visitors fell behind to a fine individual goal from Spanish right-back Son midway through the second half.

Ludogorets had a late goal ruled out for offside, but still claimed a tight 2-1 victory to lead at the halfway stage of the tie. Ferencváros will be confident of turning the tie around in the second leg in the Groupama Aréna next week though. Should they be successful, Hungary's reigning league champions would play either Braga or FC Porto, both of Portugal.