In a breathless pre-season friendly that had everything a neutral could ask for, Bulgarian giants Ludogorets Razgrad ran out 7-4 winners against Second League side Etar on 27 June 2026. The match, played as part of the club’s summer preparation at their Huvepharma Arena training base, was an exhibition of attacking football, defensive frailty, and relentless end-to-end action.

Match Overview

Ludogorets, the perennial powerhouses of Bulgarian football, used this fixture to sharpen their attacking edge ahead of European qualifiers, while Etar – a team with a proud history currently playing in the second tier – treated the game as a vital test against elite opposition. The 11-goal thriller more than lived up to its billing.

How the Goals Unfolded

The scoreline suggests a dominant Ludogorets display, but Etar’s four goals ensured they were never completely out of the contest. The home side struck first through a well-worked move, but Etar responded almost immediately to level the score. A flurry of goals in the first half saw Ludogorets edge ahead 3-2 before the break.

The second half was even more chaotic. Ludogorets extended their lead, only for Etar to pull two back, making it 5-4 with plenty of time remaining. However, a late surge from the Razgrad side, inspired by their superior fitness and quality off the bench, added two more goals to seal the 7-4 victory.

Standout Performers

• Ludogorets attack: The Bulgarian champions rotated heavily but still managed seven different scorers, showcasing remarkable depth. Their pace on the counter proved decisive.
• Etar’s resilience: Despite the heavy defeat, scoring four times away from home against a top-tier side speaks volumes for Etar’s attacking spirit. Their forward line caused constant problems for Ludogorets’ reserve defenders.

What This Means for Both Sides

For Ludogorets, the friendly provided a stern test of their defensive organisation – an area that will need tightening before UEFA competition begins. The abundance of goals, however, will please their coaching staff as players gain match sharpness. For Etar, the performance offers encouragement that they can compete with top-flight opposition, and the 4-4-2 press they employed for periods showed tactical ambition.

This match will be remembered as a pre-season classic – not for the result itself, but for the relentless entertainment and the glimpse it offered into the potential of both squads heading into the 2026–27 campaign.