UEL: Malmo FF Falls 2-1 to Ludogorets Razgrad in UEFA Europa League
Malmo's European struggles continue with a 2-1 defeat to Ludogorets Razgrad. Read match reports.
The victory represents an excellent start for Ludogorets, who have already accumulated ten points...
Malmo FF's dismal record in European group stage games persisted as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to PFC Ludogorets Razgrad in the UEFA Europa League. The hosts got off to a nightmare start, with Gabriel Busanello committing a foul on Edvin Kurtulus during a set-piece, which was only spotted after a VAR review.
Petar Stanic coolly dispatched the resulting penalty into the bottom corner, silencing the Eleda Stadion crowd. Shortly after, Ludogorets doubled their lead when Eric Bile scored after Robin Olsen spilled a cross at the feet of the Ivorian striker.
Despite throwing everyone forward in the final stages, Malmo couldn't find the vital equalizer until Lasse Berg Johnsen scored with a precise header in the 78th minute. However, it was too little, too late, as Ludogorets held on for the win.
Petar Stanic remained calm and confidently dispatched the penalty into the bottom corner, silencing the Eleda Stadion crowd. Despite the early setback, Malmo took control of the game. However, their struggles with defending set pieces resurfaced midway through the half. Robin Olsen spilled a cross, allowing Eric Bile to gleefully slot the ball into the net.
Hugo Bolin was Malmo's most potent attacking threat, and he had a promising opportunity just before halftime. Sergio Padt, however, made a crucial save with his knees, denying Bolin's shot and keeping the score intact.
Ludogorets start the 2025/26 season with a win 🙌#UEL pic.twitter.com/66yVLmZbIt
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) September 24, 2025
The home crowd was expectant of an onslaught on the Ludogorets goal in the second half, but the reality was different. Instead, the visitors continued to pose a threat in attack, looking more dangerous than the hosts.
Just before the hour mark, Ludogorets had a golden chance to seal the victory. Caio Vidal broke through on goal, but Robin Olsen saved his weak effort. Colin Rösler then cleared Petar Stanic's follow-up shot off the line, denying Ludogorets the third goal.
Just when it seemed like the game was slipping away, Malmo found a way back into the match. Lasse Berg Johnsen's shot from the edge of the area was deflected, leaving goalkeeper Sergio Padt helpless, and the ball found its way into the net, making it 2-1.
Despite throwing everyone forward in the final stages, Malmo couldn't find the vital equalizer. With 24 qualification places up for grabs in the competition, there's still plenty of time for Malmo to turn their campaign around.
The victory represents an excellent start for Ludogorets, who have already accumulated ten points, a tally that secured qualification last year. This win bodes well for their chances in the competition.
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