Inter’s next game will be their first Europa League game of the season. An away game in the city of Razgard (Bulgaria) against the local “capolista” and Bulgarian league title holders; Ludogorets.
Inter vs Bulgarian clubs and Ludogorets vs Italian clubs:
This game will be the first ever between both teams. However, Inter has already faced other Bulgarian clubs and here are their results:
- Inter have never lost to a Bulgarian side in European competitions (5 games played, 2 won, 3 draws)
- Last time Inter faced a Bulgarian club was during the 1974/1975 against Etar Veliko Tarnovo. Inter won 3-0, goals from Oriali and Boninsegna.
Ludogorets on the other hand have also faced Italian teams. Failing to beat Milan in both legs during the Europa League 2017/2018. But have however managed to beat Lazio and knock them out of the same competition in 2014.
Ludogorets’ current form:
As mentioned above, Ludogorets sit on top of the Bulgarian league, still unbeaten after 21 games. The team also has the most solid defense of their local league, conceding only 8 goals.
However, the club failed to get a qualification ticket to UCL through play-offs and got out of the group stage second of their group behind Espanyol Barcelona.
Note that Ludogorets has only managed to pass the round of 32 once (in 2014, after beating Lazio). Inter has succeeded in going through in their last 16 attempts.
Lukaku and Lautaro:
This game represents a good opportunity for Inter’s strikers to get back their high level of understanding and improve their European statistics.
In fact, both players have an amazing record when it comes to European competitions. Romelu Lukaku having scored in all of his last 5 games in Europa League, while Lautaro Martinez has scored 5 goals during this season’s UEFA Champions League group stage.
