/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballwhispers.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F07%2FFotoJet-2026-07-21T070134.192.jpg)
Levski Sofia return to the familiar surroundings of Georgi Asparuhov Stadium on Wednesday evening when they welcome Universitatea Craiova for the opening leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie.
The Bulgarian champions come into the contest on the back of an excellent run of results after easing past Borac Banja Luka in the previous round before opening their domestic title defence with another victory at the weekend.
Craiova have also made an encouraging start to the campaign after eliminating Vitebsk comfortably in the first qualifying round and beginning the new Romanian league season with a commanding home success.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Levski Sofia vs. Universitatea Craiova key stats
- Levski Sofia have won five of their last six competitive home matches.
- Both teams have scored in only two of Craiova's last eight away fixtures.
- Only one of Levski Sofia's last six competitive home games has seen both sides find the net.
Levski Sofia vs. Universitatea Craiova preview: Hosts aim to seize first-leg advantage
Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova — Tale of the Tape
| Levski Sofia | vs | Universitatea Craiova |
|---|---|---|
| 1st (Parva Liga) | Position | 1st (Liga I) |
| 3 | Points | 3 |
| 2 | Goals For | 4 |
| 1 | Goals Against | 0 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 1st | Home / Away Rank | 9th |
Levski Sofia looked in complete control during their second-leg victory over Borac Banja Luka after already showing their superiority in the first meeting despite being held to a draw.
Julio Velazquez's men secured a 4-0 win in last week’s return leg in Sofia and carried that momentum into the opening weekend of the Bulgarian top-flight season by defeating Dunav Ruse 2-1 to begin the defence of their domestic crown on a winning note.
The Blues have now gone 10 matches without defeat in all competitions and have turned Georgi Asparuhov Stadium into a formidable venue, with victories arriving regularly while keeping clean sheets in four of their last six competitive games at the ground.
Having ended their lengthy wait for another Bulgarian title last season, Levski will now be determined to move one step closer to reaching the Champions League proper for the first time in almost two decades.
Craiova also arrive in confident mood after brushing aside Vitebsk 5-1 over two legs to secure their place in the second qualifying round.
Filipe Coelho's side followed that European success by producing an emphatic 4-0 league-opening victory over UTA Arad, with a dominant second-half display putting the contest beyond doubt.
The Romanian champions have put together an impressive unbeaten sequence stretching back to April, thanks to their defensive resilience and ability to grind out positive results away from home, having not suffered defeat on the road in six outings.
Even so, facing one of Bulgaria's strongest home sides presents arguably their toughest assignment of the campaign so far as they seek a positive result in what will be the first meeting between both sides.
Levski Sofia vs. Universitatea Craiova form guide & betting tips
| Levski Sofia | vs | Universitatea Craiova |
|---|---|---|
D
W
W
|
Form |
W
W
W
W
|
| 13 | Goals For | 10 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 2 |
D
W |
Champions League qualifying |
W
W
|
Whispers predicts: Levski Sofia 1-0 Universitatea Craiova
The bookmakers make Levski Sofia slight favourites at 19/20 (1.95), and the hosts appear capable of rewarding those odds given their outstanding home record and the confidence generated by recent victories. Craiova have travelled well in recent months, but they have rarely been prolific on the road, which could prove costly against disciplined opposition.
The second half to produce more goals market also stands out at 23/20 (2.15). Both sides have shown a tendency to grow into matches, while Levski have seen the latter stages prove particularly productive in recent home outings, making that selection an appealing alternative.
Another market worth considering is Both Teams To Score – No at 5/6 (1.83). With Levski regularly keeping opponents quiet on home soil and Craiova boasting an organised defensive structure themselves, this could develop into a tactical encounter where clear-cut chances are limited.
A 1-0 home victory looks the most appealing correct-score selection at 11/2 (6.50), with Levski's home strength potentially proving decisive in what promises to be a closely contested first leg.
> Match result – Levski Sofia to win at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score – No at 5/6 (1.83) | Likelihood: Possible
> Second half more goals at 23/20 (2.15) | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score: Levski Sofia 1-0 Universitatea Craiova at 11/2 (6.50) | Likelihood: Outsider