Ludogorets continue run at Chornomorets

PFC Ludogorets Razgrad's remarkable group stage debut continued as they made it three wins from three in Group B after battling to win the points at FC Chornomorets Odesa.

Many people's pick to prop up a tough-looking section, Stoicho Stoev's men ensured maximum points at the group's halfway stage thanks to Hristo Zlatinski's 45th-minute free-kick. Vladislav Stoyanov in the Ludogorets goal made some outstanding saves as the Bulgarian side survived second-half pressure to leave themselves a win away from qualification.

Hoping to bounce back after their matchday two loss to PSV Eindhoven, the hosts started with intent and Ludogorets were grateful to goalkeeper Stoyanov for keeping them level with a pair of fingertip saves. The custodian deflected Olexiy Antonov's low strike from the right side of the box just wide of the far post, before soaring to his right to deny Anderson Mineiro's powerful effort, which was destined for the top corner.

While Stoyanov was excelling, his opposite number had a moment to forget on the stroke of half-time. Zlatinski's free-kick from 30 metres contained power but was straight at Dmytro Bezotosnyi, who misjudged the swerve on the ball and allowed it to slip through his grasp and into the back of the net.

The hosts ratcheted up the pressure after the break and substitute Franck Dja Djedje rifled a shot over on the turn. Anatoliy Didenko headed straight at Stoyanov and Volodymyr Priyomov fired over from point-blank range as the hosts threw everything at Ludogorets, only for the visitors to held firm and remain on track for the knockout phase.