Levski Sofia vs Craiova Prediction 22 July 2026
📢 How will the first leg between Levski and Universitatea Craiova play out? Both sides came through the previous round without much trouble and are now into the second qualifying round of the Champions League. The stakes are considerably higher now - two roughly evenly matched teams, where the smallest detail could decide it. The first leg is at Vivacom Arena Georgi Asparuhov, and home advantage could give the Bulgarian side a slight edge.
Head-to-Head
📊 Levski Sofia and Craiova have never met before.
Head-to-head statistics Levski Sofia - Craiova
Levski Sofia Team Overview
Last season had its share of surprises, and the Bulgarian championship was no exception. Levski took the title, ending Ludogorets' run at the top - a run that had lasted since 2012. The club hasn't been in the Champions League for a long time; their last appearance was in 2009/10, when they entered at the second qualifying round and eventually reached the Europa League group stage.
This time Levski had to start from the first round, where they were drawn against Borac Banja Luka. Away from home, they couldn't break the Bosnians down and drew 1-1, but back at home they won 4-0 and went through comfortably. The Bulgarian league also kicked off at the weekend, with Levski beating Dunav Ruse 2-1.
Match Results: Levski Sofia
Craiova Team Overview
Universitatea Craiova are surprise Romanian champions too. The club last won the title back in 1991, and now, 35 years later, they have managed to repeat that success. They also last played in the main European competition that year, when it was still called the European Cup.
In this season's Champions League qualifying, Universitatea Craiova had no real trouble in the first round, beating Belarusian champions Maxline Vitebsk 5-1 on aggregate - though the margin could have been bigger. The Romanian league has already kicked off, same as the Bulgarian, and Craiova opened with a 4-0 home win over UTA Arad. So they approach the upcoming match in excellent spirits.
Match Results: Craiova
🟨 Yellow Cards Prediction
In the previous round against Borac Banja Luka, the Bulgarian side played fairly disciplined - just one booking in each match. In this one, Levski should see more of the ball, which reduces the chances of the hosts picking up fouls. Worth looking at Levski total yellow cards under 1.5.
⚽️ Goals Prediction
Universitatea Craiova away from home rarely produces goals: no more than two were scored in 6 of their last 7 road games. There's not much pointing to a high-scoring match here either, so total goals under 2.5 at 1.75* is worth considering.
🚩 Corners Prediction
If Levski controls possession, they should attack more and win plenty of corners. In both matches against Borac Banja Luka in the previous round, the Bulgarians earned seven corners each time. That makes Levski total corners over 4.5 at 1.60* an interesting option.
* Odds are approximate and may vary across different bookmakers.
⭐️ Editor's Prediction
The bookmakers have Levski as slight favourites for the first leg, largely down to home advantage. But this should be a tight, even contest, in both matches. The two sides are fairly evenly matched, so neither will want to take unnecessary risks. Any mistake could be costly, especially given that both clubs have been away from the Champions League for a long time. The main bet here is total goals under 2.5. Predicted score: 1-0.
Betting Tips: Levski Sofia - Craiova
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