Ludogorets Razgrad vs Basel - Basle and Ludogorets chase Europa League consolation

Posted Wednesday, November 23, 2016 by PA

Basle captain Matias Delgado is determined to help book his side a Europa League berth as they prepare to face Ludogorets in Champions League Group A on Wednesday night.

Both sides have lost any chance of progressing to the knockout stages but a victory for either team in Sofia will ensure qualification for the Europa League with one group game still to go.

And Delgado insists there is plenty of motivation for his side, who currently sit top of the Swiss Super League, to continue their continental adventure for as long as possible.

Delgado told UEFA.com: "It's important to keep competing against the top clubs in Europe - it's a very attractive tournament involving some of the best teams.

"The squad is very ambitious and so is the club. If we are motivated and confident, we can reach the semi-finals."

Both sides go into the game having taken just a single point each from their four group games so far - leaving them stranded nine points behind joint leaders Arsenal and PSG.

The Bulgarians, who drew 1-1 with Basle in Switzerland in the opening round of fixtures, are also intent on booking their place in the Europa League and go into the game on the back of three straight wins in their domestic First League.

Coach Georgi Dermendzhiev told Bulgarian media: "This really is an important game that will bring a lot of prestige to the club and the team.

"Both teams know what they will lose if they are beaten in Sofia, so I expect it will be a tactical battle. I believe there will be a lot of pressure, but I do not expect it to affect us."