Ludogorets coach Dermendzhiev insists Basel point was deserved

Ludogorets coach Georgi Dermendzhiev felt his side were good value for their 1-1 draw at Basel as they become the first Bulgarian club to earn an away point in the Champions League group stage.

The visitors found themselves on the back foot for most of the game at St Jakob-Park, where the hosts had lost just three of their previous 19 European fixtures.

But they snatched the lead on the stroke of half-time through Jonathan Cafu’s well-worked breakaway goal and looked set to hang on for a surprise victory until Renato Steffen equalised for the home side ten minutes from time.

Dermendzhiev, however, was clearly delighted with the result that, coupled with Arsenal and PSG also drawing 1-1 on Tuesday, leaves Group A finely poised.

“I think we deserved the point,” he said.

“We have grown as team and we proved it again. Basel is a very tough place. 

“Their home record this season is stunning, but we showed we can be equals. 

“When we reached the group stage, I said our aim is to go even further and I believe we are capable of doing it. 

“I always say that we want to be a good European side and we are improving and growing with every game.”

Ludogorets midfielder Marcelinho, meanwhile, went a step further than his coach by claiming that the visitors would have been worthy winners on the night.

“We are disappointed with the result,” said the man who provided the assist for Cafu’s opener.

“I think we deserved the win as we played very well and Basel did not create any real danger. 

“We proved we can compete with the best.”

The Bulgarian champions will host PSG on matchday two later this month.