Betis vs Ludogorets prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2022-09-14 19:00.
Sundayās impressive 1-0 victory over Villarreal means Real Betis occupy third in La Liga (LL) after five gameweeks ā their best domestic start since the 2011/12 season. Following their highest LL finish since 2004/05 last season (fifth), Manuel Pellegriniās men are developing a knack for being difficult to break down when playing in front of their own fans, with three straight wins and no goals conceded at home this season making the Benito VillamarĆn Stadium one of Spainās trickier venues to visit these days.
Pellegriniās side are making their second successive UEFA Europa League (UEL) appearance after being knocked out after extra-time by eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt in the round of 16 last year, and made a winning start to this campaign by beating HJK Helsinki 2-0 last week. Whilst Pellegriniās transformation of āLos Verdiblancosā has been impressive, establishing them into a reputable European force will be next on the Chileanās agenda, so attempting to progress further in the UEL than last season will likely be on the itinerary.
Bulgarian champions Ludogorets pulled off one of the upsets of the week when they snatched a dramatic 88th minute winner against JosĆ© Mourinhoās Roma last Thursday. That 2-1 win characterised the brilliant start Ante Å imundžaās men have made to their season, with seven wins and 29 goals scored across their first eight Bulgarian First League fixtures (D1) showing that their quest for a 12th straight domestic title has started in strong fashion.
Whilst their domestic form is impressive, the Eagles have historically found channelling that success into European competition difficult and have finished bottom of their last two UEL groups. They will be considered heavy underdogs again in this clash, although maybe last weekās win against the Europa Conference League winners shows Ludogoretsā continental fortunes are beginning to change.
Players to watch: Spanish striker Borja Iglesias is Betisā chief penalty taker, and has netted the opening goal in three of their five league games this season. Meanwhile, Ludogoretsā Ghanaian winger Bernard Tekpetey has made a free-scoring start to the season, with two of his six goals serving as the gameās opener.
Hot stat: Betis have conceded just one first-half goal in their last ten league fixtures at home.