Ludogorets won 2:1 against Botev (Plovdiv) and returned to the top of the standings in the First League

Ludogorets (Razgrad) returned to the top of the standings in the First League after winning 2:1 against Botev (Plovdiv) in a home match of the seventh round. The champions have 16 points and lead on goal difference against Levski from Sofia, who earlier defeated CSKA 1948 2:1.

Just three days ago, Ludogorets had a tough but successful match in the European tournaments against Shkendija (Tetovo) from the Republic of North Macedonia.

Botev played as equals against the champions of the "Hyvepharma Arena" and Todor Nedelev tried to score with a long shot at the start, but Hendrik Bonman reacted well. Ludogorets responded with a goal after a mix-up in the 22nd minute. The ball was crossed into the penalty area and reached Edwin Kurtulus, who headed it in.

However, Botev equalized in the 43rd minute of the match, when Nikolay Minkov was on target. Nedelev, who became a champion with Ludogorets, sent a perfect cross to the far post and the right-back was on target for 1:1. He scored for the third time this season.

The tie lasted for a long time, but only because of the 15-minute break. Right at the start of the second half, in the 49th minute, Caio Vidal received the ball on the left flank and crossed to the head of Ivaylo Chochev, who put the "eagles" forward for the second time in the match.

Bernard Tekpetey failed to increase Ludogorets' lead from a good position in the 62nd minute, and Hendrik Bonman parried a powerful shot from reserve Armstrong Oko-Flex. Thus, the champions came to a narrow 2:1 victory against the "canaries", who are last in the championship with four points.