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

Universitatea Craiova and Levski Sofia meet at Stadionul Ion Oblemenco in Craiova on 29 July 2026 in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League 2nd Qualifying Round tie. After a tight first leg in Sofia, this return fixture will decide who progresses to the next phase of qualifying.

Levski Sofia hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg on 22 July 2026, thanks to a home win at Vivacom Arena Georgi Asparuhov. That result puts the Bulgarian side in a strong position, but Craiova have been solid at home in this Champions League campaign and will rely on their support in Craiova to overturn the deficit.

With both clubs still at an early stage of their European campaigns, this tie is crucial financially and in terms of prestige. Stats suggest a finely balanced contest: Universitatea Craiova have been efficient at the back at home, while Levski Sofia bring the sharper attack and the momentum of an unbeaten start in this qualifying round.

Universitatea Craiova vs Levski Sofia Key Stats

• Universitatea Craiova have won 2 of their 3 UEFA Champions League qualifiers this season, scoring 5 goals and conceding just 2.
• The only previous meeting between these sides in this campaign ended Levski Sofia 1-0 Universitatea Craiova on 22 July 2026 in Sofia.
• Levski Sofia have scored 6 goals and conceded only 1 across 3 Champions League qualifiers this season, with 2 clean sheets.

Universitatea Craiova vs Levski Sofia — 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: Universitatea Craiova 1 (from 3 matches) vs Levski Sofia 2 (from 3 matches)

There is no formal group or league table at this qualifying stage, but early-round statistics still paint a clear picture. Universitatea Craiova have a 2-1 record from 3 qualifiers, with a total of 5 goals scored and 2 conceded. They have already kept one clean sheet and have shown they can win both tight and high-scoring games, with their biggest away victory coming 4-1.

Levski Sofia, meanwhile, are unbeaten from 3 qualifiers (2 wins, 1 draw). They have been particularly impressive defensively, conceding just once and keeping 2 clean sheets. Offensively, they average 2.0 goals per game, including a dominant 4-0 home win. Over the small sample so far, Levski’s balance between attack and defence looks slightly stronger, but Craiova’s home resilience keeps this tie open.

Universitatea Craiova vs Levski Sofia Key Matchups

Universitatea Craiova attack unit vs Reinaldo

Universitatea Craiova’s goals have been well spread across their 3 qualifiers, with 5 scored and an average of 1.7 per match. They have found ways to score both early and late in games, with a significant share of their goals coming in the final 15 minutes, underlining their capacity to push hard when chasing a result.

For Levski Sofia, Reinaldo has been the standout attacking threat in the Champions League qualifiers. The 24-year-old attacker has 2 goals from 3 appearances, all as a starter, albeit in limited minutes (75 in total). Even in relatively short game time, he has been clinical in front of goal and is clearly one of the primary finishers in this Levski side. Craiova’s back line, which has conceded only 2 goals in 3 matches, will need to track his movement carefully, especially in transition where Levski have been dangerous.

Universitatea Craiova midfield vs Álex Centelles and Levski’s left side

Universitatea Craiova’s midfield has helped maintain control in most of their qualifiers, reflected in a low goals-against average of 0.7 per game. Their structure in a 3-4-3 setup (used in all three matches) relies heavily on wing-backs and central midfielders to protect the back three and launch attacks.

On Levski’s side, Álex Centelles has emerged as a key creative outlet from defence. The Spanish left-back has 1 assist in 3 appearances and 69 minutes of action, often introduced to add thrust on the flank. His ability to contribute the final pass from wide areas adds another layer to Levski’s attack. If Craiova push their wide players high in search of goals, the battle down Centelles’ flank could be decisive, with Levski looking to exploit space on the counter.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

This tie is built around a fresh rivalry, with only the first leg on record in this campaign. That match gives us the clearest blueprint for how these sides match up tactically and physically.

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

Universitatea Craiova vs Levski Sofia Prediction

Stats suggest a tight, tactical second leg. Universitatea Craiova have been strong at home, with 1 win from 1 in this qualifying round and no goals conceded on their own turf so far. Their overall record of 2 wins and 1 defeat, coupled with only 2 goals conceded in 3 matches, indicates they are capable of keeping this close while chasing the one-goal deficit.

Levski Sofia, however, arrive with the more impressive overall profile. They are unbeaten (2 wins, 1 draw), average 2.0 goals per match, and have conceded just once across 3 qualifiers. Their last-five form indices are superior in attack and defence, and the head-to-head edge from the 1-0 first-leg win reinforces their status as favourites. The prediction model gives Universitatea Craiova only a 10% chance of winning in 90 minutes, with a 45% probability of a draw and 45% for a Levski away win. That points strongly towards Levski avoiding defeat again.

Given Craiova’s need to attack but their generally low-scoring matches (1.7 scored and 0.7 conceded on average) and Levski’s disciplined back line, another cagey game with limited goals looks likely. Levski’s extra cutting edge in the final third, led by Reinaldo and supported by players like A. Oko-Flex and J. Perea, should be enough to secure at least a draw and possibly another narrow victory.

Predicted Score: Universitatea Craiova 1-1 Levski Sofia

Universitatea Craiova Recent Form

Universitatea Craiova come into this second leg with 2 wins and 1 defeat from their 3 UEFA Champions League qualifiers. They have scored 5 goals (1.7 per match) and conceded only 2 (0.7 per match). At home, they have been perfect so far in this campaign, winning their only home qualifier 1-0 and keeping a clean sheet. Their form line in the competition reads as a strong start with back-to-back victories before a narrow away defeat in Sofia.

Levski Sofia Recent Form

Levski Sofia are unbeaten across their 3 qualifiers, with 2 wins and 1 draw. They have scored 6 goals (2.0 per match) and conceded just 1 (0.3 per match), highlighting a very solid defensive structure. At home they have been dominant, winning both matches without conceding, including the 1-0 first-leg victory over Craiova and a 4-0 success earlier in the round. Their away draw shows they can manage games on the road, and they come into this second leg with momentum and confidence.

Universitatea Craiova Possible Starting Lineup

With no confirmed lineups from previous fixtures, the most reliable guide is the squad list and the preferred system. Universitatea Craiova have consistently used a 3-4-3 shape in their Champions League qualifiers.

Potential key players: goalkeepers such as L. Popescu or P. Isenko; defenders including O. Romanchuk, A. Rus, V. Screciu, N. Stevanović; midfield options like N. Bancu, T. Băluță, A. Cicâldău, Samuel Teles, Ș. Baiaram; and attacking choices such as A. Al Hamlawi, S. Elisor, M. Etim, Heriberto Tavares, C. Mora, S. Nsimba.

Craiova are likely to line up with three central defenders protected by an energetic midfield four, using wide players to stretch Levski and create crossing opportunities. In attack, they have several forwards capable of rotating across the front line, which could be key as they chase at least one goal. The main tactical question is how aggressively they commit numbers forward without exposing themselves to Levski’s counter-attacks.

Levski Sofia Possible Starting Lineup

Levski Sofia have alternated between 4-4-2 (used twice) and 4-3-3 (once) in their three qualifiers, suggesting flexibility depending on game state.

Key options include goalkeepers M. Lukov or S. Vutsov; defenders Maicon, N. Serafimov, Álex Centelles, C. Makoun, Aldair, K. Dimitrov; midfielders such as Serginho, E. El Moubarik, A. Bouras, A. Mitkov, Everton Bala, M. Soula; and a deep attacking pool featuring Reinaldo, A. Oko-Flex, J. Perea, R. Kirilov, M. Sangaré and others.

Given their 1-0 first-leg lead, Levski may opt for the more balanced 4-4-2, prioritising defensive solidity while keeping two forwards high to threaten on the break. With two clean sheets already in this campaign and only one goal conceded, their back four and double pivot in midfield are likely to be built around stability, allowing their quick attackers to exploit any space left by Craiova’s push for goals.

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

Exactly 3 distinct betting angles, based on current form, head-to-head and available odds.

• Result Tip: Back Levski Sofia Draw No Bet (market equivalent: Levski to avoid defeat). The prediction model rates Universitatea Craiova at only 10% to win in 90 minutes, with 45% each for draw and away win. The “Match Winner” market has Craiova at around 2.28–2.30 (implied probability roughly 43.5–43.9%), the draw at 3.45 (about 29.0%), and Levski at 3.10 (around 32.3%). While the bookmakers make Craiova slight favourites, performance data and the 1-0 first-leg result support Levski’s side of the market, so taking Levski on a safety net (Draw No Bet) looks sensible.
• Goals Tip: Under 2.5 goals. Universitatea Craiova’s matches average 2.4 total goals (5 scored, 2 conceded in 3 games), while Levski’s average 2.3 (6 scored, 1 conceded). Both sides have very strong defensive records, and the first leg finished 1-0. The predictions advice explicitly leans towards a low-scoring game with a recommended combo of “draw or Levski Sofia and under 3.5 goals”, reinforcing the under-goals angle. With the tie finely poised, a cautious, tactical battle is likely.
• Value Tip: Reinaldo to score anytime (if available). The Levski attacker has 2 goals from just 75 minutes across 3 appearances, making him one of the most efficient finishers in this qualifying round. With Levski expected to find space on the counter as Craiova chase the game, backing their most productive scorer at a potentially generous price could offer value, especially compared with the more general match result markets.

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