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

Levski Sofia welcome Universitatea Craiova to Vivacom Arena Georgi Asparuhov in Sofia for a UEFA Champions League 2nd Qualifying Round clash on 22 July 2026. Both sides have started their continental campaigns impressively and will see this tie as a genuine opportunity to move closer to the lucrative group stage.

The early qualifying rounds can often be cagey, but the numbers suggest this could be a more open contest. Across two Champions League fixtures each, Levski Sofia and Universitatea Craiova have both scored 5 goals and conceded just 1, combining solid defensive structures with sharp attacking transitions.

With no prior head-to-head meetings in this competition and both teams showing strong recent form, this first leg in Sofia looks finely balanced. The prediction metrics lean slightly towards Levski Sofia on a double-chance basis, but Universitatea Craiova arrive with a perfect winning record and plenty of confidence.

Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova Key Stats

• Levski Sofia are unbeaten in the 2026 UEFA Champions League so far, with 1 win and 1 draw from 2 matches, scoring 5 and conceding 1.
• Universitatea Craiova also have 5 goals scored and just 1 conceded in 2 Champions League fixtures, but with a 100% record of 2 wins from 2.
• Both sides have kept 1 clean sheet in 2 Champions League matches, while neither has failed to score in any game.

Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova — Tale of the Tape

• Position: Not available vs Not available
• Points: Not available vs Not available
• Goals For: 5 (Levski Sofia, 2 matches) vs 5 (Universitatea Craiova, 2 matches)
• Goals Against: 1 vs 1
• Clean Sheets: Levski Sofia 1; Universitatea Craiova 1 (Champions League 2026)

Official group or league standings are not yet available for this qualifying phase, but the early Champions League statistics already paint a clear picture. Levski Sofia have combined a powerful home performance — a 4-0 win — with a solid away draw, underlining their resilience and ability to control games in Sofia.

Universitatea Craiova, meanwhile, have been flawless in terms of results, winning both of their qualifiers, including a 4-1 away victory. That suggests they travel well and can be dangerous on the counter. With identical goal tallies and defensive records across two matches, this tie is set up as a genuine clash of equals, with small margins likely to decide the outcome.

Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova Key Matchups

Reinaldo vs Universitatea Craiova back line

Reinaldo has been Levski Sofia’s standout attacking threat in the Champions League so far. The Brazilian forward has scored 2 goals in 2 appearances, both from the starting XI, across 75 minutes of action. Despite not registering shots or key passes in the recorded stats, his end product is undeniable, and he has been subbed off in both games, suggesting he delivers his impact early.

Universitatea Craiova’s defence has conceded just 1 goal in 2 matches, with a single clean sheet and a consistent 3-4-3 formation used in both fixtures. They have also managed their disciplinary record reasonably, with yellow cards clustered in the 31–45 and 76–90 minute windows but no reds. Containing Reinaldo’s movement and penalty-box presence will be central to their game plan, especially given Levski’s tendency to score heavily at home.

Álex Centelles vs Universitatea Craiova wide players

Álex Centelles has emerged as a creative outlet from the back for Levski Sofia. The Spanish defender has made 2 Champions League appearances, starting once and playing 69 minutes, contributing 1 assist. Even without recorded passing accuracy figures, that assist underlines his ability to influence the game in advanced areas, likely from the left flank.

Universitatea Craiova’s attacking pattern shows goals spread across all phases of the game, with strikes in the 0–15, 16–30, 31–45 and especially 76–90 minute ranges. Their wing and half-space runners will test Centelles both defensively and in transition. If he can balance his forward surges with solid defensive positioning, Levski can both limit Craiova’s wide threat and create overloads going forward.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

There are no recorded recent meetings between Levski Sofia and Universitatea Craiova in the available Champions League data. This tie therefore brings an element of tactical surprise, with both coaches relying on scouting rather than direct experience.

• No previous fixtures listed: This will be the first recent recorded encounter between Levski Sofia and Universitatea Craiova in UEFA Champions League qualifying.

Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova Prediction

All available indicators point to a tight, competitive first leg in Sofia. Both teams have identical attacking and defensive returns in the Champions League so far: 5 goals scored, 1 conceded, and one clean sheet each. Universitatea Craiova’s 100% record (form string “WW”) gives them a slight momentum edge, but Levski Sofia’s home form — including a 4-0 win — cannot be overlooked.

The prediction metrics give Levski Sofia a narrow edge on a “win or draw” basis, with a 35% chance of a home win, 35% for the draw, and 30% for an away victory. That effectively frames this as a near coin-flip contest, with the home advantage in Sofia just nudging Levski ahead in the double-chance market. Both sides average 2.5 goals scored and 0.5 conceded per game in this campaign, suggesting a match where both can create chances but are unlikely to collapse defensively.

Predicted Score: Levski Sofia 1-1 Universitatea Craiova

Levski Sofia Recent Form

Levski Sofia’s recent Champions League form reads as “DW” — an unbeaten run across 2 matches. They have shown an explosive side at home with a 4-0 win and resilience away with a 1-1 draw. Offensively, they average 2.5 goals per match, with a significant share of their goals coming between the 46–60 minute mark, indicating strong starts to the second half. Defensively, they have conceded just once, and that goal arrived early in the 0–15 minute window, a phase where they will need to be particularly alert.

Universitatea Craiova Recent Form

Universitatea Craiova arrive in outstanding Champions League form, with a perfect “WW” record from 2 matches. They also average 2.5 goals scored per game and just 0.5 conceded, mirroring Levski’s numbers. Their goals are more evenly distributed across the match, with strikes in the first half and a strong late surge in the 76–90 minute window. This pattern suggests they finish games strongly and can turn tight contests in their favour late on.

Levski Sofia Possible Starting Lineup

Based on the available squad and formations used in the Champions League (4-3-3 and 4-4-2), a likely structure could feature:

GK: M. Lukov
Defenders: Álex Centelles, Maicon, C. Makoun, N. Serafimov
Midfielders: Serginho, E. El Moubarik, Everton Bala, A. Oko-Flex
Forwards: Reinaldo, J. Perea

Levski Sofia have rotated between a 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 in their two Champions League fixtures, which offers tactical flexibility. Reinaldo is the key focal point in attack with 2 goals, while J. Perea and A. Oko-Flex add supplementary scoring threat with 1 goal each. Álex Centelles’ 1 assist from defence suggests he will be encouraged to push forward, especially at home. With no penalties taken so far (0 attempts), Levski’s goals have come from open play, reflecting a proactive attacking approach.

Universitatea Craiova Possible Starting Lineup

Universitatea Craiova have consistently lined up in a 3-4-3 across both Champions League matches, so a similar shape is expected:

GK: L. Popescu
Defenders: A. Rus, V. Screciu, O. Romanchuk
Midfielders: N. Bancu, A. Cicâldău, A. Crețu, Samuel Teles
Forwards: Ș. Baiaram, A. Al Hamlawi, S. Nsimba

The 3-4-3 gives Universitatea Craiova width and numbers in the final third, which has helped them score 5 goals in 2 matches, including a 4-1 away win. They have also shown composure from the spot, converting 2 penalties from 2 attempts. The wing-backs and wide forwards will be crucial in stretching Levski’s back line, while the back three, supported by a compact midfield, has limited opponents to just 1 goal so far.

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 tips from different markets:

• Result Tip: Back “Levski Sofia or Draw” in the double-chance market. Prediction metrics give Levski a 35% chance of winning and a 35% chance of a draw, versus 30% for an away win. Combined with their strong home performance (4-0) and unbeaten record, the safety of covering both home win and draw looks sensible.
• Goals Tip: Consider “Both Teams to Score – Yes”. Both sides average 2.5 goals scored and 0.5 conceded per game in this Champions League campaign, and neither has failed to score in any of their 2 matches. With Universitatea Craiova proving potent away from home (4 goals in one away match) and Levski strong in Sofia, a 1-1 or 2-1 type scoreline is very plausible.
• Value Tip: Look at “Reinaldo to Score Anytime” as a potential value angle. The Levski Sofia forward has 2 goals in 2 Champions League appearances and is clearly the primary goal threat. With Levski creating plenty of chances, especially around the 46–60 minute period, backing Reinaldo to find the net again could offer attractive odds relative to his current output.

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