Ajax vs Ludogorets

Click on any stream link below to watch the game

As they are ready to host Ludogorets Razgrad for the second leg of their playoff on Thursday, Ajax already has one foot in the Europa League proper.

As a parting gift before joining West Ham United, Mohammed Kudus scored a hat-trick as the Dutch giants demolished the Bulgarian champions 4-1 in the first leg.

Ajax would have expected a difficult evening at Huvepharma Arena, but Maurice Steijn's team breezed through Ludogorets in the first leg, building a comfortable 4-1 lead to all but guarantee their entry into the Europa League play.

Mohammed Kudus scored twice in the first 18 minutes, Brian Brobbey made it 3-0 just before halftime, Kudus added a third goal after the break, and Olivier Verdon pulled a goal back for the home team midway through the second half from the penalty spot.

Despite having the most of the ball in Razgrad, Ajax only managed five shots on goal during the first leg while Ludogorets fired off 14 shots. However, De Godenzonen were efficient when it counted.

Due to a recent run of two victories and one tie across all competitions, Ajax has remained unblemished this season. This includes victories over Heracles (4-1) and Excelsior (2-2), which came before last week's annihilation of Ludogrets, who will face a difficult task on Thursday.

Ivaylo Petev's team must score at least three goals at the Johan Cruyff Arena because Ludogrets will be furious with themselves for not taking advantage of the several scoring opportunities they created throughout the first leg.

However, the Eagles did not have trouble scoring as they destroyed Beroe 5-0 in the Bulgarian First League on Sunday, with five different players contributing to the score.

The defending Bulgarian champions Ludogorets are already well on their way to winning a 13th consecutive top-flight title in their home country after winning four of their first six league games this season and scoring an astonishing 19 goals in the process.

It's also important to keep in mind that Ludogorets defeated Astana 6-3 on the road to earn their spot in the Europa League playoffs, demonstrating the versatility of Petev's team.