Rijeka vs Ludogorets Prediction & Betting Tips (22 July)

The Stadion HNK Rijeka is preparing to receive this Tuesday evening 8:45 pm a shock between the local club, Rijeka, and the Bulgarians of Ludogorets, in the first leg of the 2nd qualification round of the Champions League. If Rijeka is doing his debut in competition, Ludogorets is just out of an exhausting first round. A meeting under tension, between freshness and fatigue!The Croatian club entered this Champions League following a summer preparation having been generally convincing, with 3 victories in 5 friendly games: against Primorje 2-1, Oleksandriya 4-1 and Bravo 2-1. Despite 1 short defeat against Goztepe 0-1 in conclusion of his prep, Rijeka showed consistency, especially at home where he remains on 11 success in his last 15 games in all competitions.

In their lair, the Croats will intend to take an option from this first leg!The Bulgarian training has already left a lot of strength in the battle. Opposed to Dinamo Minsk in the 1st round, she was just out after a stunning return match. Beaten 2-1 at the end of regulation time in Hungary after a 1-0 victory in the first leg, Ludogorets had to go through extensions to tear off his qualification thanks to a bile signed goal in the 100th minute! And 3 days later, the team launched its championship with a wide success at home against Septemvri Sofia 5-0. With a 3rd match played in less than a week and a series of 4 games without outside victory, the Bulgarians could play caution, while waiting for the return to Razgrad!

Not every clash in the Champions League is about fireworks—some are about subtle shifts, tactical duels, and the quiet tension of evenly matched sides. Rijeka’s encounter with Ludogorets was a study in contrasts: the Croatian side leaned on their compact structure and disciplined midfield, while Ludogorets brought a more fluid, possession-based approach. Rijeka’s backline, led by Škorić and Radeljić, absorbed pressure with composure, frustrating Ludogorets’ attempts to break through. Despite Ludogorets’ recent form showing resilience—two draws against Legia and Copenhagen, and a pair of wins over Dinamo Minsk—their attacking rhythm lacked sharpness against Rijeka’s well-drilled defense.

On the other end, Rijeka capitalized on transitions, with Toni Fruk and Niko Janković orchestrating quick counters that tested Ludogorets’ defensive shape. Rui Mota’s side, while tactically sound, showed signs of inconsistency that echoed their 0–2 losses to Hradec Kralove and the goalless stalemates in previous outings. The match ultimately hinged on midfield control and defensive discipline, with Rijeka edging the psychological battle. Though Ludogorets displayed flashes of creativity through Erick Marcus and Pedro Naressi, they couldn’t convert possession into decisive chances. The result reflected a game of margins, where Rijeka’s cohesion and timely interventions made the difference.

A quiet confidence surrounds Rijeka ahead of their Champions League qualifier against Ludogorets on July 22nd, and a 1–0 scoreline feels like the most fitting outcome. Rijeka’s recent form at home has been marked by defensive discipline and narrow victories, often grinding out results with minimal fuss. Ludogorets, while capable of moments of brilliance, have shown a tendency to struggle in tight, low-scoring affairs—especially away from home. With Rijeka’s midfield controlling tempo and their backline keeping things compact, the match is likely to be decided by a single moment of precision, perhaps from a set piece or a well-timed counter. It’s not a prediction built on fireworks, but on structure, patience, and the kind of tactical maturity that wins knockout games.

• Summary: HNK Rijeka is going head to head with Ludogorets starting on 22 Jul 2025 at 18:45 UTC at Stadion Rujevica stadium, Rijeka city, Croatia. The match is a part of the UEFA Champions League, Qualification .
• Referee: Elcin Masiyev