The Bulgarian believes that his club are going up against the top side on the planet on Wednesday night but is adamant that his troops are looking forward to the task at hand
Ludogorets boss Georgi Dermendzhiev says his players will relish the challenge of playing Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
The Bulgarians are rank outsiders going into the Champions League Group B clash in Razgrade, with their opponents, the reigning European champions, having netted 20 times in their last four games in all competitions.
However, Dermendzhiev insists that his players will savour the opportunity to pit themselves against Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.
“We are proud to play against the best team in the world and the best players in the world,” he told reporters.
“They have won the European Cup 10 times and are the reigning champions. It is a great honour for our club to play against them.
“Our players are motivated. There is an obvious gulf in the levels between the teams.
“I am not worried at all, though. There is nothing to lose.
“We have talked a lot with the players. They realise only too well that they are up against the best players in the world. They must give their all.”
Despite their underdog status, Ludogorets impressed in their Champions League group-stage debut against Liverpool on matchday one, with the Bulgarian champions only losing 2-1 at Anfield after conceding an injury-time penalty to Steven Gerrard.