Levski Sofia
Universitatea Craiova
Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova Predictions, Picks & Odds – 22/07/2026
Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova – Best bets of the match
Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova Preview
Levski Sofia are riding a wave of momentum into this second qualifying round clash. The Bulgarian champions, who ended a 17-year title drought last season, remain unbeaten across their last ten fixtures in all competitions. Their first qualifying round demolition of Borac Banja Luka, a commanding 5-1 on aggregate, underlined their attacking potency. Head coach Julio Velazquez rotated heavily in a recent league win over Dunav Ruse, keeping key players fresh for this European assignment.
Universitatea Craiova arrive in Sofia with serious credentials of their own. The Romanian champions, crowned for the first time in 35 years, have been untouchable since April, stringing together 15 matches without defeat. They matched Levski's first round output with a 5-1 aggregate victory over Vitebsk and opened their SuperLiga campaign by hammering UTA Arad 4-0. Manager Filipe Coelho used his squad depth at the weekend, and his frontline starters should be rested and ready.
Levski Sofia's dominance at the Vivacom Arena is the foundation of our 1X pick. Nine wins from their last ten home matches speaks volumes, and their unbeaten run across all competitions this season reinforces that fortress mentality. The home win price at 2.18 reflects genuine respect for a side that dismantled Borac Banja Luka with a five-goal aggregate in the previous round.
Universitatea Craiova are no pushovers, having gone unbeaten in fifteen matches since April and opening their league season with a thumping four-nil win. Their own five-goal aggregate against Vitebsk showed clinical attacking quality. Still, travelling to Sofia for a first-ever meeting between these clubs presents a different challenge, and Craiova's away credentials in European competition remain unproven at this level.
Both sides rotated heavily in weekend domestic fixtures, meaning fresh legs should be available for this qualifier. Levski's superior home scoring record and tighter defensive numbers at this venue give them the edge. Covering the double chance at 2.18 provides solid value, while under 2.5 goals at N/A also warrants attention given Levski's miserly home concession rate. Odds correct at time of publication.
Trends to Know about Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova
- Levski nine wins from ten at home
- Both sides scored five in round one
- Craiova unbeaten across fifteen straight matches
Form & Statistics: Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova
Levski Sofia
Recent form
Season statistics (2)
Universitatea Craiova
Recent form
Season statistics (2)
Lineups: Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova
Levski Sofia
Starters
- 1 Svetoslav Vutsov
- 2 Maicon Araújo dos Santos
- 3 Wabo Oliver Kamdem
- 4 Kristian Dimitrov
- 5 Álex Centelles
- 6 Nikola Serafimov
- 7 Gasper Trdin
- 8 Serginho
- 9 Armstrong Oko-Flex
- 10 Reinaldo Nascimento Satorno
- 11 Juan Esteban Perea Sanchez
Bench
- Akram Bouras
- Everton Bala
- Mehdi Moubarik
- Anzor Mekvabishvili
Absent
- Stipe Vulikic (injury)
- Christian Makoun (injury)
- Karl Fabien (injury)
- Radoslav Kirilov (injury)
- Asen Mitkov (fitness issues)
- Mustapha Sangare (fitness issues)
Universitatea Craiova
Starters
- 1 Laurențiu Popescu
- 2 Nicușor Bancu
- 3 Juraj Badelj
- 4 Stevanović
- 5 Oleksandr Romanchuk
- 6 Anzor Mekvabishvili
- 7 T. Băluță
- 8 Alexandru Cicâldău
- 9 Stefan Baiaram
- 10 Steven Nsimba
- 11 Assad Al Hamlawi
Bench
- Samuel Teles
- Simon Elisor
- C. Mora
- H. Tavares
Absent
- Silviu Lung Jr. (injury)
- Mihnea Rădulescu (suspended)
- Adrian Rus (injury)
- Alexandru Iamandache (injury)
- Vladimir Screciu (injury)
- Pavlo Isenko (injury)
- Ștefan Bană (suspended)
- Assad Al-Hamlawi (injury)
- Darius Fălcușan (suspended)
Low confidence
A 3-4-3 versus 4-3-3 clash sets up an intriguing tactical contest at Georgi Asparuhov Stadium. Levski's back three gives them width through the wingbacks, while Armstrong Oko-Flex and Juan Esteban Perea Sanchez offer pace and creativity in the final third to trouble Craiova's four-man defensive line.
Levski's lineup carries a probable tag backed by multiple credible sources, while Craiova's XI remains speculative, drawn from a single outlet, so the Romanian side's shape could shift before kickoff. Alexandru Cicâldău is the standout creative threat if the visitors do line up as anticipated.
How to Watch Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova Match?
What time is Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova?
This Champions League qualifier kicks off on 22 July 2026 at 18:30 local time in Sofia.
Where is Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova being played?
This match takes place at the Vivacom Arena – Georgi Asparuhov in Sofia, Bulgaria.
How Can I Watch Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova on TV and Live Stream?
Check local listings and the official Champions League broadcast partners for live coverage of this qualifier.
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