Ludogorets secured a 2:1 victory over Lokomotiv Sofia in the First League's eighth round on Saturday evening. The result keeps the visitors winless-free and extends their unbeaten streak to eight matches across all competitions. Lokomotiv remain rooted to the bottom of the table with three points from seven games.
Ivajlo Čočev opened the scoring in the fourth minute, giving the away side an early advantage. Lokomotiv had a chance to respond when Petar Stanić missed a penalty in the eighth, and Caruzo Caue equalised for the hosts in the 29th. Ludogorets regained the lead when Čočev struck again in the 76th minute.
By then the match had settled into a pattern. Ludogorets controlled possession at 64 per cent and registered six shots on target against two, though they also hit the woodwork 11 times. Lokomotiv's 81 attacks yielded just two accurate efforts, and here's the thing — the hosts worked hard but lacked the final touch.
Both managers made heavy changes in the final 15 minutes. Lokomotiv brought on Antonio Miguel Tavares Eiro de Carvalho, Rwan Philipe Rodrigues de Souza Cruz and Spas Delev, while Ludogorets introduced Bernard Tekpetey and others. The substitutions reflected the fact that the outcome was already clear.
Lokomotiv's form continues to worry supporters. Their last five matches produced two draws and three defeats, and they have yet to register a win this season. Ludogorets, meanwhile, sit second with 20 points from eight games and remain unbeaten, having drawn twice and won six.
