Stanic Steals the Show as Ludogorets Edge Five-Goal Europa League Thriller Against Celta Vigo

Ludogorets Razgrad lit up the Huvepharma Arena with a spirited and relentless Europa League performance, edging Celta Vigo 3–2 in a pulsating contest that swung wildly from control to chaos in the dying minutes. At the heart of it all was Petar Stanic, who turned the game into his personal stage with a superb hat-trick that punished every moment of hesitation from the visitors.

The Bulgarians set the tone early when Stanic converted a calm, confident penalty in the 11th minute after a clumsy Celta challenge inside the area. It was the perfect start for the home side, who pressed with intent and rarely allowed the Spaniards time to settle on the ball.

Celta struggled to find fluency, and shortly after the restart, their problems deepened. From a recycled corner, Olivier Verdon laid the ball into Stanic’s path, and the midfielder unleashed a crisp right-footed strike from outside the box into the bottom corner to double the lead in the 49th minute. The stadium rocked, and Ludogorets sensed that Celta were teetering.

Just over ten minutes later came the moment that truly defined the night. Another penalty, another moment of pressure, another flawless Stanic finish into the bottom corner. His hat-trick was complete, and Ludogorets, holding a commanding 3–0 lead, looked to have wrapped the match long before the final whistle.

But Celta Vigo refused to fade quietly.

In the 70th minute, Bryan Zaragoza sliced open the Ludogorets defence with a brilliant through ball, and Pablo Duran finished into the bottom corner to breathe life into the Spanish side. Suddenly Celta found urgency, rhythm and courage that had been missing for much of the match.

Deep into stoppage time, Zaragoza was at it again—this time swinging a perfect cross into the box for Jones El Abdellaoui, who powered a sensational strike into the top corner to make it 3–2 in the 96th minute. What had once looked like a procession for Ludogorets now threatened to unravel in dramatic fashion.

The Bulgarians dug in, defended every late surge, and refused to let go of their slender lead. When the final whistle arrived at +9 minutes, the roar from the home crowd was filled with equal parts joy and relief.

With this victory, Ludogorets strengthen their grip on Europa League progression, showcasing heart, precision and the brilliance of Stanic’s finishing. Celta left Bulgaria with regrets, but also with pride for their spirited late fight.