The UEFA Europa League’s League Phase sees Ludogorets and PAOK face each other at Brann Stadion in Bergen, a neutral venue offering both sides a chance to assert their European credentials. While both have shown flashes in the group, neither has established ironclad consistency. What makes this match especially fascinating is Ludogorets’ hunt to climb out from mid-table with urgency, while PAOK aim to separate themselves from a congested grouping, all under floodlights in wintry Norway. The tactical chess between Per-Mathias Høgmo’s robust Ludogorets and Răzvan Lucescu’s fluid PAOK is set to be illuminating.
Key players to keep an eye on include Ludogorets’ dynamic midfielder Petar Stanic, who notched an eye-catching hat-trick in last week’s league outing, and PAOK’s prolific forward Giorgos Giakoumakis. The latter’s keen eye for goal (4 in the last 5 Europa League fixtures) could tilt the balance in tightly-contested moments. Their battle in the final third will be pivotal for the narrative of this tie.
A “hot stat” to consider: PAOK have registered a staggering 79 total shots in their last five matches – outpacing Ludogorets by 34 – a metric reflective of their attacking intent even away from home.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA Europa League 2025/26 (League Phase) |
| 🏟 Venue: | Brann Stadion, Bergen |
| 🗓️ Date: | 11.12.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:45 CEST |
🏅Best bets for Ludogorets vs PAOK at WinSpirit with a Welcome bonus 100% up to 100$ and 25% Freebet💰
Ludogorets vs PAOK prediction
Given PAOK’s sharper attacking numbers and recent form, the best value prediction is a PAOK win (Draw No Bet for those seeking slight insurance). Ludogorets’ defensive vulnerabilities – conceding eleven goals in five group ties, with a negative three goal difference – contrast sharply with PAOK’s more consistent firepower, having bagged eleven from the same sequence. Interestingly, PAOK’s higher yellow card and foul tallies (ten and 46, respectively, in the last five outings) suggest an aggressive, highly-competitive pressing style which can both unsettle Ludogorets’ build-up and, potentially, leave them exposed to swift counters.
Ludogorets have been disciplined, drawing fewer cards and conceding fewer set-pieces, but their relatively low interception and shot counts reflect a team more reactive than proactive when challenged. Ball progression has been hampered by a reduced pass accuracy (372 successful passes to PAOK’s 1,457 in last five), putting the Bulgarian side at risk of being overrun in midfield if they can’t establish control. Still, with both teams suffering lapses – Ludogorets notably drawing 1-1 against lowly Slavia Sofia last, and PAOK unsettled by a draw to Brann – there’s potential for goals on both sides, especially in the latter stages if defences tire.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | PAOK Draw No Bet |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Ludogorets Recent Matches:
Ludogorets enter this tie with six matches in the last thirty days, recording four wins, a single loss and one draw – yet their Europa League journey has stuttered, shown by a narrow loss to Celta Vigo (3-2) where defensive lapses proved costly. In the domestic league, confidence-boosting clean sheets versus Botev Vratsa and Dobrudzha have kept morale afloat, but the 1-1 draw with Slavia Sofia last time out exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in closing out matches after taking the lead. Petar Stanic is emerging as their chief creative force but the build-up through midfield remains disjointed under pressure.
PAOK Recent Matches:
PAOK’s form under Răzvan Lucescu features a more robust attacking thrust, punctuated by eleven goals and only one defeat in their last six (across domestic and European outings). They recently dispatched Kifisia 3-0 and emerged through a tense derby with Aris Thessaloniki unbeaten, albeit showing slight frailties in wide areas amid a 1-1 draw with Brann. There’s balance in midfield but their propensity for fouls and yellow cards – a byproduct of aggressive pressing – can disrupt rhythm, both for themselves and opponents. Taison and Magomed Ozdoev have looked sharp, synergising with Giakoumakis upfront.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Ludogorets | PAOK |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 45 | 79 |
| Free kicks | 21 | 32 |
| Corner kicks | 21 | 32 |
| Total fouls | 7 | 46 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 83 | 80 |
| Interceptions | 8 | 26 |
| Offsides | 3 | 10 |
🚨Read our full Ludogorets vs PAOK stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: PAOK the favourite
- Moneyline Ludogorets 3.50 | PAOK 2.13
- Draw 3.40
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.95 | Under 2.5 1.85
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.74 | No 2.05
PAOK enter as slight favourites across all major bookmakers, buoyed by their continental experience and attacking threat. The odds reflect not only their recent scoring surge but Ludogorets’ tendency to leak goals under pressure. Yet the pricing is tight, acknowledging Ludogorets’ ability to stay competitive on neutral ground and their occasional clinical finishing. For bettors, value sits with PAOK and with markets backing goals on both sides.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
🏅Tips.GG premium subscription brings you even closer to WIN!🏅
- Gain access to the most profitable bets by using our analysis of over 60,000 monthly predictions from 1000+ sources.
- Premium users enjoy predictions from tipsters with the highest win rate while also gaining access to favorable odds, outcome calculation, and quick filter to favorable odds.
- Unlock the “Golden Bet” – our unique formula for the best high-odd betting opportunities! Get detailed reports on our system’s performance, including Winrate, ROI, and Yield.
Possible Starting Lineups
Ludogorets possible starting eleven
- GK: Hendrik Bonmann
- DF: Olivier Verdon, Dinis Almeida, Son, Anton Nedyalkov
- MF: Petar Stanic, Ivan Yordanov, Aguibou Camara, Deroy Duarte
- FW: Bernard Tekpetey, Caio Vidal
Bonmann remains the mainstay between the sticks, backed by a solid centre-back duo in Verdon and Almeida. Son and Nedyalkov offer both defensive stability and flank support. The midfield sees workhorses Stanic and Yordanov control tempo, flanked by the energetic Camara and the disciplined Duarte. Up front, Tekpetey and Caio Vidal provide pace and directness, making this a likely 4-2-3-1 set-up. Watch for Stanic’s late runs and Tekpetey’s versatility both as a scorer and a creator.
PAOK possible starting eleven

- GK: Jiří Pavlenka
- DF: Tomasz Kędziora, Dejan Lovren, Jonjoe Kenny, Abdul Baba Rahman
- MF: Magomed Ozdoev, Soualiho Meïté, Taison, Alessandro Bianco, Andrija Živković
- FW: Giorgos Giakoumakis
PAOK look set to keep faith with Pavlenka in goal – the experienced shot-stopper offers reliability under pressure. Kędziora and Lovren anchor a back line expected to see a fair amount of action from Ludogorets’ wide threats. In midfield, Ozdoev pairs with breaker Meïté, with Taison and Živković drifting wide to create overloads. Bianco supplies energy in the central role. Giakoumakis leads the line in the 4-1-4-1, and is the immediate danger man, having scored four in his last five UEFA games. Expect fluid positional switches and an aggressive high press, particularly from Baba Rahman at left back.
Best football betting sites and Bonuses
| 🏆Betting site | 💰Welcome offer | 🤑Promo code |
|---|---|---|
| WinSpirit | Welcome bonus 100% up to 100$; 25% Freebet | TIPS.GG |
| Thunderpick | Welcome offer +100% up to 600€ | TIPSGG |
| GG.bet | Freebet up to 50USD | TIPSGG |
| N1Bet | Welcome offer 120% up to 600$ | TIPSGG |
| Stake | 200% promo code bonus up to 500$ | TIPSGG |

Ludogorets. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
While both squads have plenty to play for, PAOK’s composure in front of goal, depth in midfield and the aggression of their press give them a narrow edge. Expect fireworks, particularly as Ludogorets search for a result to reignite their qualification chances – however, unless their back line tightens up considerably, PAOK should emerge victorious. My pick: PAOK to win or, for punters preferring some insurance, PAOK Draw No Bet. Do not discount both teams getting on the scoresheet, particularly as legs tire and desperation creeps in late on.

