Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova Prediction: Key Stats and Betting Tips

Levski Sofia welcome Universitatea Craiova to Vivacom Arena Georgi Asparuhov in Sofia on 22 July 2026 for a finely poised UEFA Champions League 2nd Qualifying Round clash. Both sides arrive in strong early-tournament form, having impressed in their opening ties with identical scoring and defensive records.

Levski Sofia have started their Champions League campaign solidly, remaining unbeaten with a win and a draw from their first two matches. Universitatea Craiova, however, have been perfect so far, winning both of their fixtures and carrying a 100% recent form line into this encounter. With progression deeper into qualifying at stake, this first leg shapes as a key tone-setter for the tie.

Stats suggest a tight, attacking contest between two sides that have each scored five goals and conceded just once across two Champions League matches. With Levski’s home advantage in Sofia and Craiova’s flawless record, this match has all the ingredients to be one of the standout ties of the 2nd Qualifying Round.

Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova Key Stats

• Levski Sofia are unbeaten in the Champions League this season with 1 win and 1 draw from 2 matches, scoring 5 and conceding 1.
• Universitatea Craiova have won both of their Champions League fixtures so far, also scoring 5 and conceding just 1.
• Both teams average 2.5 goals scored and 0.5 goals conceded per Champions League match this campaign, underlining their attacking intent and defensive solidity.

Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova — Tale of the Tape

• Position: Not available vs Not available
• Points: Not available vs Not available
• Goals For: Not available vs Not available
• Goals Against: Not available vs Not available
• Clean Sheets: Levski Sofia 1 (tournament statistics), Universitatea Craiova 1 (tournament statistics)

Detailed group or qualifying-round standings are not available, but early Champions League statistics give a clear picture of two in-form sides. Levski Sofia have taken 4 points from their first 2 matches (1 win, 1 draw), while Universitatea Craiova have collected a maximum 6 points from 2 wins.

Both teams have identical goal tallies in this Champions League campaign so far: 5 scored and 1 conceded across 2 fixtures. Levski’s standout result is a 4-0 home win, showcasing their ability to explode in front of their own fans, while Craiova’s notable performance is a 4-1 away victory, underlining their threat on the road. With each team keeping one clean sheet and neither side having lost yet, the margins appear extremely fine heading into this tie.

Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova Key Matchups

Reinaldo vs Universitatea Craiova’s back line

Levski Sofia’s standout attacking threat so far has been Reinaldo. The Brazilian forward has scored 2 goals in 2 Champions League appearances, both as a starter, playing 75 minutes in total. Even without recorded shot or passing data, his goal return alone makes him a central figure in Levski’s attacking plan.

Up against a Universitatea Craiova defence that has conceded just 1 goal in 2 matches and kept 1 clean sheet, Reinaldo’s movement and penalty-box presence will be crucial. Craiova’s defensive unit has been disciplined, allowing only 0.5 goals per game, so limiting service into Reinaldo will be a key part of their strategy. Conversely, Levski will look to exploit his sharpness, particularly in the second half where a significant share of their goals has arrived.

Armstrong Oko-Flex vs Universitatea Craiova’s midfield shield

Another important weapon for Levski is A. Oko-Flex. Listed as a midfielder, he has contributed 1 goal in 2 Champions League appearances, with 1 start and 68 minutes played. His ability to break forward from midfield and chip in with goals adds a second wave of attacking threat behind the main striker.

Universitatea Craiova’s midfield and defensive shield have been effective so far, conceding only once in two matches and showing good game management, particularly in the middle and late phases of games. Containing Oko-Flex’s forward runs and late arrivals into the box will be vital if Craiova are to maintain their strong defensive record away from home.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

There are no recorded recent head-to-head meetings between Levski Sofia and Universitatea Craiova in the available data, adding an element of unpredictability to this tie. Both sides will be facing a relatively unknown European opponent in competitive action.

Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova Prediction

Everything points to a finely balanced first leg. Universitatea Craiova come in with the stronger headline form, having won both of their Champions League matches so far and posting a “WW” record. Their recent-form index is excellent, with a 100% form indicator and matching attacking and defensive averages to Levski (2.5 goals for, 0.5 against per match).

Levski Sofia, however, are also unbeaten (“DW”) and have already demonstrated a high ceiling at home with a 4-0 victory. Their defensive numbers are strong, with just 1 goal conceded in 2 matches and 1 clean sheet. The comparison model slightly leans towards Universitatea Craiova overall, but the Poisson index heavily favours Levski, and the win/draw recommendation is “Levski Sofia or draw”.

The probabilities highlight just how tight this contest is expected to be: Levski Sofia have a 35% chance of winning, the draw is also rated at 35%, and Universitatea Craiova are given a 30% chance of victory. With no clear-cut favourite and both sides in good scoring form, a cautious, tactical first leg with limited margin for error looks likely.

Predicted Score: Levski Sofia 1-1 Universitatea Craiova

Levski Sofia Recent Form

Levski Sofia’s Champions League recent form reads as unbeaten, with one win and one draw from two matches. They have been particularly impressive at home, where they recorded a 4-0 victory, and overall they have scored 5 goals while conceding just 1. Their defensive structure has been solid, and they have yet to fail to score in this campaign.

Universitatea Craiova Recent Form

Universitatea Craiova’s recent Champions League form is perfect: two wins from two matches. They have shown they can grind out results at home with a 1-0 win and also cut loose away with a 4-1 success. With 5 goals scored and only 1 conceded, plus a current winning streak of two, they arrive in Sofia with strong momentum and confidence.

Levski Sofia Possible Starting Lineup

Potential key players for Levski Sofia (by position):
Goalkeepers: M. Lukov, O. Vladimirov, S. Vutsov;
Defenders: Álex Centelles, K. Dimitrov, O. Kamdem, Maicon, C. Makoun, Aldair, N. Serafimov, S. Vulikić;
Midfielders: A. Bouras, A. Mitkov, E. El Moubarik, Serginho, M. Soula, G. Trdin, Everton Bala, David Kusso, A. Oko-Flex, A. Raychev;
Forwards: R. Kirilov, I. Motev, J. Perea, Reinaldo, M. Sangaré, S. Stoyanchov.

Levski have used both 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 formations in their two Champions League matches, indicating tactical flexibility. With Reinaldo (2 goals) and supporting scorers like J. Perea and A. Oko-Flex (1 goal each), they have multiple attacking options. The presence of Álex Centelles, who has already provided 1 assist in this campaign, adds width and delivery from the back. Expect Levski to lean on a back four, with Reinaldo leading the line and pace and creativity from wide and midfield areas.

Universitatea Craiova Possible Starting Lineup

Potential key players for Universitatea Craiova (by position):
Goalkeepers: A. Glodean, M. Goga, P. Isenko, A. Maxim, L. Popescu, R. Sava;
Defenders: J. Badelj, Darius Gabriel Fălcușan, O. Romanchuk, A. Rus, V. Screciu, N. Stevanović, R. Webster;
Midfielders: N. Bancu, T. Băluță, L. Băsceanu, A. Cicâldău, A. Crețu, D. Matei, A. Mekvabishvili, D. Muntean, Samuel Teles, C. Mora;
Forwards: A. Al Hamlawi, Ș. Baiaram, S. Elisor, M. Etim, Heriberto Tavares, S. Nsimba, M. Rădulescu.

Craiova have consistently lined up in a 3-4-3 across their two Champions League matches, which has produced a perfect record so far. That shape gives them width and numbers in attack while still protecting a back three that has conceded just one goal. With a 100% penalty record (2 scored from 2), they are also dangerous from the spot. Expect them to maintain their 3-4-3 structure, looking to exploit transitions and wide areas, particularly late in games where a significant share of their goals has come.

Levski Sofia Team News

No significant absences reported.

Universitatea Craiova Team News

No significant absences reported.

Injuries & Suspensions

Levski Sofia:

• None reported.

Universitatea Craiova:

• None reported.

Betting Tips: Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova

Exactly 3 distinct betting ideas based on the available probabilities and performance data:

• Result Tip: Back “Levski Sofia or Draw” in the double chance market. The prediction advice explicitly leans towards Levski avoiding defeat, with a 35% chance for a home win and 35% for the draw versus 30% for a Craiova win. Levski are unbeaten so far, and home advantage in Sofia further supports this conservative angle.
• Goals Tip: Consider “Under 3.5 Goals”. Across four combined Champions League matches, these teams have seen 10 goals in total (2.5 per game on average), and both have strong defensive records (0.5 conceded per match each). With this being a first leg and both sides aware of the stakes, a controlled encounter with no goal glut is a plausible scenario.
• Value Tip: Look at “Both Teams to Score – Yes”. Both Levski and Craiova have scored in every Champions League match they have played so far, and each has multiple attacking contributors (Reinaldo, J. Perea, A. Oko-Flex for Levski; a spread of scorers for Craiova). With each side averaging 2.5 goals scored per game, a cagey but still open contest where both find the net offers potential value.

Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.