Ludogorets faces Lokomotiv Plovdiv amid coaching changes

Ludogorets prepares to face Lokomotiv Plovdiv, a team that has historically proven difficult for the Razgrad-based club. Lokomotiv Plovdiv holds the record for the most victories over Ludogorets in the elite division with eight wins, followed by Cherno More with seven.

Ludogorets has struggled at the Hristo Bonev Stadium, failing to secure a victory there for over two years. Recent encounters have been closely contested, including a match in May 2026 where Lokomotiv Plovdiv advanced via a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw in regulation time.

The club is also navigating a period of transition following the return of Igor Jovicevic as head coach. Under Jovicevic, the team recently suffered a 0-2 loss to CSKA. This managerial shift has coincided with the exclusion of young talent Alexander Marinov from the first-team squad, despite his previous contributions under former coach Thomas Rice.