Real Betis stretched their unbeaten run to five games in all competitions after beating Ludogorets 2-0 on their travels in the UEFA Europa League (UEL), with the hosts’ own six-match unbeaten streak coming to an end.
Having previously been unbeaten in nine home outings, Ludogorets started strongly as Petar Stanic - who scored on matchday one against Malmo - forced Alvaro Valles into an early save with his strike from distance.
However, Betis grew into the first half as Rodrigo Riquelme fired just over, before Giovani Lo Celso’s first-time shot from the edge of the box was kept out by Sergio Padt.
The Argentine’s quality would eventually shine through, though, as he gave Betis the lead just after the half-hour mark, manoeuvring past his markers before striking into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
Ludogorets’ best chance to equalise before half-time fell to Son, whose free-kick flashed inches wide.
Unfortunately for Son, he contributed to a goal at the other end early in the second half.
Junior Firpo struck towards goal, and the ball was heading off target before taking a nick off the Ludogorets player.
It turned out not to be the Bulgarians’ night, as Stanic missed another great chance to score when he lashed narrowly over the bar from a promising position.
Betis were the width of the post away from putting gloss on the scoreline in the latter stages, as Abde Ezzalzouli hit the woodwork from just outside the box.
Nonetheless, Los Verdiblancos maintained their 100% record against Ludogorets (W3), while the Bulgarians are now winless in six UEL home matches (D1, L5).
Flashscore Man of the Match: Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis)