Wins have not come easy for liverpool this season, neither at home in England or in the Champions league. But a win on Wednesday in Bulgaria against ludogorets is exactly what the five-time European champions need to ensure they still have a chance to advance to the second round. Both liverpool and ludogorets are at the bottom of Group B with three points. Real Madrid leads the way with 12 points, while FC Basel has six. liverpool needed an injury-time penalty from Steven Gerrard to salvage a 2-1 win over ludogorets in their opener. A second victory in Bulgaria plus a Basel loss to the defending champions would set up a decisive game against the Swiss side at Anfield in the last group game.
liverpool’s Woes in europe
liverpool lost its fourth consecutive match on Sunday, a 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace that left it in 12th place in the Premier league. Now it must gather itself if it wants to prolong its first Champions league campaign in five years.
ludogorets will be hosting its first ever English opponent, but it won’t welcome liverpool to its home ground. It is playing in Sofia, 400 kilometers from ludogorets Arena because that stadium fails to meet competition regulations.
Problems mount for wenger
Struggling at home but excelling in the Champions league, Borussia Dortmund is headed to Arsenal on Wednesday with injury concerns.
Dortmund, which has already qualified for the second round, will travel to london without forward Marco Reus, who is out with an ankle injury.
Arsenal, which blew a three-goal lead against Anderlecht in the last match, can join Dortmund in the last 16 with a draw. In the other group match, Galatasaray plays Anderlecht.
The Gunners head into the match against Dortmund after it lost to Manchester United 2-1 in the Premier league on Saturday with memories of the Anderlecht match also fresh.