Ludogorets Razgrad boss hails 'fearless' display against Real Madrid

Ludogorets Razgrad boss Georgi Dermendzhiev has praised his team for their 'fearless' performance in last night's 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The Bulgarian outfit - ranked 87th in UEFA's coefficient list - pushed the reigning European champions all the way as a Karim Benzema winner 13 minutes from time spared the Blancos' blushes in Sofia.

"Of course I am disappointed. We were brave, courageous and played with no fear against the reigning European champions," Dermendzhiev told reporters.

"We played as an equal to Real and I am delighted with our performance, we could have earned a draw."

The defeat leaves the Eagles bottom of Group B on zero points following their 2-1 loss to Liverpool a fortnight ago.