Ludogorets vs. Real Madrid: Key Issues That Will Shape Champions League Game

Real Madrid meet Razgrad Ludogorets in the Champions League on Wednesday night in Bulgaria.

In existence for little more than a decade, Ludogorets would never have imagined they'd be playing host to the European champions quite so soon.

It's been a phenomenal rise.

They lost their first game, though, against Liverpool, while Madrid were responsible for slamming five past Swiss side Basel.

For Carlo Ancelotti's men, Pepe returns to the squad and youngster Alvaro Medran is also included.

The following slides feature the key issues that will shape the Group B fixture.

Breaking Ludogorets Down

Jon Super/Associated Press

In their title-winning season last time out, Ludogorets conceded just 20 goals in their 38 games.

This season they have already conceded 10 in 10, but in an interview with AS, their owner, Kiril Domuschiev, says that’s because they've been sidetracked by the Champions League.

And they certainly demonstrated their defensive grit against Liverpool.

It took the English side 82 minutes to break the Bulgarians down at Anfield, with Mario Balotelli eventually opening the scoring, and a stoppage-time penalty from Steven Gerrard to win it after Abalo Paulos had equalised.

Ludogorets' name may not reverberate around Europe, but Madrid shouldn't underestimate them—despite their obvious firepower.

Can Madrid Limit the Chances They Give Away?

Jon Super/Associated Press

Real Madrid have seemingly recovered from their early-season blip that saw them defeated by both Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid in back-to-back league games.

However, they are still giving away far too many chances.

During Saturday's 2-0 win against Villarreal they allowed their hosts to have 19 shots, as reported by Marca, and they have now received 73 shots on their goal in six league matches.

Barcelona, in contrast, have conceded just 39 shots to their six opponents.

If this trend continues, it means there will be chances for Ludogorets in Wednesday night's match.

Will Madrid Need Asier Illarramendi?

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

One of the theories as to why Real Madrid have allowed their opponents to breach their back line so often this season is that they don't have a defence-minded central midfield pairing.

Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are both brilliant individually and work well together in many areas, but they don't offer what the likes of Xabi Alonso or Sergio Busquets would defensively.

And while Madrid are expected to win in Bulgaria, it's important they take the task seriously.

Restoring Asier Illarramendi to the side, who's looked improved in his fleeting appearances this season, could offer them the defensive shield required on a European away day.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Thirst for Records

Alberto Saiz/Associated Press

Regardless of how many openings they present to Ludogorets in Bulgaria, Real Madrid will always be hopeful that Cristiano Ronaldo can drive them over the winning line.

He heads to Bulgaria in fine form, having scored eight goals in his last three La Liga appearances and 11 in all competitions already this season.

And he has an extra incentive this week, too.

Sitting on 68* Champions League goals, he is just three away from drawing level with former Madrid forward Raul at the top of the record books—a second four-goal haul in the space of a month would take him clear.

Given Ronaldo's relentless pursuit of goals and his extreme professionalism, it's hard to imagine he won't be motivated by that incentive.

*excludes qualifying rounds

Can Karim Benzema Get Back Among the Goals?

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

Despite some impressive link-up play and the support of his manager, Karim Benzema will be far from satisfied with his return of two goals from nine matches this season.

Against Ludogorets, in a competition he loves, Madrid will be desperate for him to return to goalscoring form.

Alejandro Albaladejo reported in Marca that the French forward averages 0.57 goals in the Champions League—of players currently participating in Europe's top competition, only Robert Lewandowski, Ronaldo and Lionel Messi can better that.

If Benzema can find the net early on against Ludogorets, it should make for an easier night for Los Blancos.