UEFA Europa League: Bernard Tekpetey’s magical cameo saves Ludogorets from upset

Bulgarian champions Ludogorets Razgrad were pushed to the limit on Thursday but managed to advance to the league phase of the UEFA Europa League thanks to the efforts of Bernard Tekpetey.

The Ghanaian attacker came on in the 83rd minute with the aggregate score level at 3-3 between hosts Ludogorets and North Macedonian club Shkendija.

After extra time was needed to separate the teams, the former Schalke player scored the winning goal with a long distance shot in the 98th minute. A powerful low effort just snuck by Gambia national team goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye, who could only deflect the ball into his goal.

With the visitors desperately pushing forward for an equalizer, Ludogorets finished off the victory. Tekpetey had plenty of space on a counter-attack down the right wing and his lofted pass found the run of young Ivorian forward Yves Erick Bile, who finished with only Gaye to beat.

After a broken leg caused him to miss nearly the entire 2024-25 season, Tekpetey is working his way back into the Ludogorets team mainly as a substitute. Thursday marked his first goal contributions of the season for the Bulgarian club, who qualify for the main stage of the Europa League after previously being eliminated from UEFA Champions League qualifying.

A tough league phase awaits with Swiss club Young Boys, Greek gians PAOK and last season’s Conference League finalists Real Betis among their opponents. Ludogorets begin the league phase on September 25 at Young Boys.