Ludogorets vs Celta Vigo Match Recap - Nov 27, 2025

Ludogorets Stuns Celta Vigo with a 3-2 Victory in a Thrilling Europa League Clash

Ludogorets turned the tables on Celta Vigo, pulling off a stunning 3-2 victory that reshapes the narrative of their Europa League campaign. This result not only boosts Ludogorets' confidence but also complicates Celta Vigo's path forward in Group G.

Ludogorets showcased a remarkable turnaround from their recent form, which had seen them languishing at the bottom of the group. Prior to this match, they had suffered three losses in four games, including a dismal performance against Ferencváros where they managed just two shots and held only 34% possession. The resurgence against Celta Vigo, however, was marked by a more aggressive approach, leading to Ludogorets outshooting Celta with a total of 1 shot on goal to 0 for the visitors. This stark contrast highlights their newfound attacking intent.

Stanic emerged as the hero for Ludogorets, scoring twice from the penalty spot and providing a crucial spark that had been missing in previous matches. His performance is particularly noteworthy given that he had been relatively quiet in earlier fixtures. The penalties he converted not only showcased his composure under pressure but also reflected a team that was willing to take risks and capitalize on opportunities. This shift in mentality could be pivotal as they look to build momentum in the remaining group matches.

Celta Vigo's recent form had been characterized by offensive prowess, with their last five matches yielding three wins, including a solid victory over Dinamo Zagreb where they controlled possession and created numerous chances. However, their inability to convert that form into a decisive performance against Ludogorets raises questions about their consistency. Despite leading in possession and total passes, they failed to register any shots on target, which is alarming for a team that prides itself on attacking football.

The defensive frailties of Celta Vigo were exposed throughout the match. They struggled to contain Ludogorets' counter-attacks and were unable to adapt to the home side's aggressive pressing. The fact that Ludogorets achieved an expected goals (xG) of 0.79 compared to Celta's 0.00 underscores the effectiveness of their attacking strategy while highlighting Celta's lack of creativity in the final third.

Duran and El Abdellaoui managed to find the net for Celta Vigo, but their efforts came too late to salvage a point. Duran's goal in the 70th minute briefly reignited hopes for an equalizer, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit established by Stanic's penalties. The late goal from El Abdellaoui in stoppage time felt more like a consolation than a comeback, emphasizing the uphill battle Celta faced throughout the match.

Celta Vigo's tactical setup, which had previously allowed them to dominate possession and create chances, faltered against Ludogorets' high press and quick transitions. Their formation of 3-4-3 seemed ill-suited to counteract Ludogorets' direct style of play, leading to gaps in defense that were exploited effectively by the home side. The lack of defensive cohesion was evident as Ludogorets capitalized on every opportunity presented.

Looking ahead, both teams face critical matches in the final round of group play. Ludogorets will aim to build on this momentum against PAOK, while Celta Vigo must regroup quickly before facing Bologna. The stakes are high for both sides; Ludogorets seeks redemption after a rocky start, while Celta must reclaim their form to secure advancement.

This match serves as a reminder of football's unpredictability and the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise. For Ludogorets, this victory could be the turning point they desperately needed; for Celta Vigo, it's a wake-up call that their path to success requires more than just talent-it demands execution and resilience under pressure.