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

Universitatea Craiova welcome Levski Sofia to Stadionul Ion Oblemenco in Craiova on 29 July 2026 for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League 2nd Qualifying Round tie. After a narrow 1-0 defeat in Sofia on 22 July, the Romanian side must overturn a one-goal deficit in front of their home crowd to keep their Champions League dream alive.

Levski Sofia arrive in a strong position after that first-leg win at Vivacom Arena Georgi Asparuhov and an unbeaten start to their European campaign. With two wins and a draw from three Champions League fixtures so far, the Bulgarian club know that even a draw will be enough to see them through, while an away goal in Craiova would leave the hosts needing at least three.

Stats suggest a finely poised encounter: Universitatea Craiova have been solid at the back at home in Europe, while Levski Sofia have combined a potent attack with impressive defensive numbers. This second leg should appeal to fans and bettors alike, with the qualification narrative and match-winner markets both in sharp focus.

Universitatea Craiova vs Levski Sofia Key Stats

• Universitatea Craiova have played 3 Champions League matches this season, winning 2 and losing 1, with 5 goals scored and 2 conceded.
• The only previous meeting between the sides came on 22 July 2026 in Sofia, where Levski Sofia won 1-0 in the Champions League 2nd Qualifying Round.
• In Champions League statistics this season, Universitatea Craiova average 1.7 goals scored and 0.7 conceded per match, while Levski Sofia average 2.0 scored and 0.3 conceded.

Universitatea Craiova vs Levski Sofia — Tale of the Tape

• Position: Not available vs Not available
• Points: Not available vs Not available
• Goals For: 5 (Universitatea Craiova Champions League statistics) vs 6 (Levski Sofia Champions League statistics)
• Goals Against: 2 (Universitatea Craiova) vs 1 (Levski Sofia)
• Clean Sheets: Universitatea Craiova 1 vs Levski Sofia 2 (Champions League statistics)

While detailed group or qualifying-round standings are not provided, tournament statistics already paint a clear picture of the balance of power. Universitatea Craiova have won 2 of their 3 Champions League fixtures with a positive goal difference of +3, indicating a side capable of both scoring and keeping things tight at the back.

Levski Sofia, however, have been even more efficient: unbeaten in 3 matches with 6 goals scored and just 1 conceded, they boast two clean sheets and have yet to taste defeat in this European campaign. Their ability to score in bursts — particularly after half-time — combined with a defence that has only been breached once, makes them a formidable opponent to break down over 90 minutes in Craiova.

Universitatea Craiova vs Levski Sofia Key Matchups

Universitatea Craiova attack vs Reinaldo

Universitatea Craiova’s forward line has produced 5 goals across 3 Champions League fixtures, with an average of 1.7 goals per match and a notable late-game threat — a significant share of their goals have come in the final 15 minutes. They will need that cutting edge to overturn the 1-0 deficit.

On the other side, Levski Sofia’s main attacking reference so far has been Reinaldo. The 24-year-old attacker has made 3 appearances and 3 starts, scoring 2 of Levski’s 6 Champions League goals. Despite playing only 75 minutes in total, he has been highly efficient in front of goal, finding the net twice and being substituted in all three matches. If Levski can release him into space on the counter, his scoring record suggests he can deliver the away goal that would put Universitatea Craiova under enormous pressure.

Universitatea Craiova defence vs Álex Centelles and A. Oko-Flex

Defensively, Universitatea Craiova have conceded just 2 goals in 3 Champions League matches, including a clean sheet at home. Their goals-against average of 0.7 per game underlines a back line that is generally well-organised, although both goals conceded have arrived early in matches (within the first 30 minutes), hinting at vulnerability in the opening phases.

Levski’s left side, featuring defender Álex Centelles and midfielder A. Oko-Flex, will test that structure. Centelles has 3 appearances and 1 assist in the Champions League, contributing from deep despite starting only once and coming off the bench twice. Oko-Flex, meanwhile, has scored 1 goal in 3 appearances (2 starts) and 68 minutes played, adding another attacking dimension from midfield. Their combination of width, delivery and late runs into the box could stretch Craiova’s defensive unit, particularly if the hosts are forced to commit numbers forward.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

The recent history between these clubs is brief but highly relevant, with the first leg in Sofia providing the only direct reference point ahead of this decisive return match.

• 22 July 2026: Levski Sofia 1-0 Universitatea Craiova (UEFA Champions League)

Universitatea Craiova vs Levski Sofia Prediction

All indicators point to a tight, tactical second leg. Universitatea Craiova must chase the game but cannot afford to concede first, given Levski Sofia’s defensive record and counter-attacking potential. The Romanian side’s Champions League form (2 wins, 1 defeat, 5–2 goal difference) suggests they are capable of turning ties around, especially with a home clean sheet already on their record.

Levski Sofia, though, come in as the more balanced outfit. Their tournament form of DWW, with 6 goals scored and just 1 conceded, underlines a side that controls matches and punishes lapses after half-time. The prediction model gives Universitatea Craiova only a 10% chance of a home win, with the draw and away win each rated at 45%. That effectively frames Levski Sofia as strong favourites to qualify, with the double chance (draw or away win) heavily supported by both numbers and first-leg evidence.

Given the goals thresholds provided are under-markers rather than exact scores, the most plausible scenario is a low-scoring contest where Levski Sofia manage the tempo, absorb pressure and exploit transitions. Universitatea Craiova should create more than in Sofia, but Levski’s defensive solidity and clinical forwards tilt the balance.

Predicted Score: Universitatea Craiova 1-1 Levski Sofia

Universitatea Craiova Recent Form

In Champions League action, Universitatea Craiova have recorded two wins and one defeat from three matches. They have shown strong resilience, with a winning streak of two games earlier in the campaign and a defensive record of just 2 goals conceded. Their attack has been steady rather than explosive, but late goals and a home clean sheet indicate they are competitive in tight knockout-style ties.

Levski Sofia Recent Form

Levski Sofia’s recent Champions League form reads as unbeaten, with two wins and one draw across three fixtures. They have scored 6 goals and conceded only once, keeping two clean sheets and showing particular strength in the period immediately after half-time, where a large share of their goals have been scored. This blend of attacking threat and defensive control makes them a difficult opponent to dislodge over 90 minutes.

Universitatea Craiova Possible Starting Lineup

GK: L. Popescu or another from A. Glodean, M. Goga, P. Isenko, A. Maxim, R. Sava; Defenders: J. Badelj, Darius Gabriel Fălcușan, O. Romanchuk, A. Rus, V. Screciu, N. Stevanović, R. Webster, A. Crețu; Midfielders: N. Bancu, T. Băluță, L. Băsceanu, A. Cicâldău, A. Mekvabishvili, D. Muntean, Samuel Teles, Ș. Baiaram, Heriberto Tavares, M. Rădulescu; Forwards: D. Matei, A. Al Hamlawi, S. Elisor, M. Etim, C. Mora, S. Nsimba.

Universitatea Craiova have predominantly used a 3-4-3 shape in their Champions League fixtures, with that formation appearing in all three matches. Expect a back three built from their numerous defensive options, wing-backs providing width, and a front three combining pace and physical presence. With no confirmed absences, the coach can rotate between several attacking profiles, possibly keeping fresh legs to exploit the later stages where they have scored a significant share of their goals.

Levski Sofia Possible Starting Lineup

GK: M. Lukov or 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 Sofia have alternated between 4-4-2 and 4-3-3, using the former twice and the latter once in Champions League play. That flexibility allows them to adapt to the game state in Craiova: they can start with a solid 4-4-2 to protect their aggregate lead, then switch to a more fluid 4-3-3 if they need extra attacking thrust. Reinaldo is likely to spearhead the attack, supported by creators like Álex Centelles from deep and A. Oko-Flex between the lines, while a strong defensive core led by Maicon and N. Serafimov should anchor their low concession rate.

Universitatea Craiova Team News

No significant absences reported.

Levski Sofia Team News

No significant absences reported.

Injuries & Suspensions

Universitatea Craiova:

• None reported.

Levski Sofia:

• None reported.

Betting Tips: Universitatea Craiova vs Levski Sofia

Below are three data-backed betting angles for this Champions League qualifier:

• Result Tip: Back Levski Sofia Double Chance (Draw or Away). The prediction model gives Universitatea Craiova just a 10% chance of winning, with draw and away win each at 45%. Levski are unbeaten in 3 Champions League games (DWW) and already beat Craiova 1-0 in the first leg. The 1X2 market has Universitatea Craiova as slight favourites at around 2.28–2.30 (implied probability roughly 43.5–43.9%), with Levski at 3.10 (about 32.3%) and the draw at 3.45 (around 29.0%). Given Levski’s form and defensive record, covering both draw and away win offers a solid balance of safety and value.
• Goals Tip: Under 3.5 total goals. Both sides’ Champions League campaigns have been low to medium scoring: Universitatea Craiova matches average 2.4 goals (5 for, 2 against in 3 games), Levski’s average 2.3 (6 for, 1 against). The first leg finished 1-0, and the predictive advice explicitly leans towards a combination of double chance (draw or Levski) and under 3.5 goals. With Levski likely to manage the game and both teams defensively solid, a cagey affair with three or fewer goals looks probable.
• Value Tip: Levski Sofia to Score at Least One Goal. Levski have scored in all three of their Champions League matches (6 goals total), with key contributors like Reinaldo (2 goals) and A. Oko-Flex (1 goal) in form. Universitatea Craiova’s defence has been good but not impenetrable, conceding twice in three games and showing early-match vulnerability. While exact odds for team goals are not listed, the market’s relatively long price on the away win (3.10) compared to their attacking numbers suggests that any “Levski over 0.5 goals” or similar line could offer attractive value relative to risk.

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