Bulgarian champions Levski Sofia welcome Romanian titleholders CS Universitatea Craiova to the Vivacom Arena – Georgi Asparuhov for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Both teams advanced from the opening round with identical 5-1 aggregate scorelines.

Levski Sofia: Second-Half Intensity and Home Dominance

Julio Velázquez's side showcased their home strength in the first qualifying round, dismantling Bosnian side Borac Banja Luka 4-0 in Sofia following an opening 1-1 draw. Remarkably, all four goals came after the halftime break, including a three-goal blitz within 17 minutes.

Levski systematically increase their pressing tempo and shot volume in the second half. Following a 2-1 domestic victory over Dunav, Velázquez demanded peak tactical discipline to ensure his side maintains high intensity against tougher European opposition.

Universitatea Craiova: Free-Scoring Form and Attacking Depth

Filipe Coelho’s side cruised past ML Vitebsk (4-1 away, 1-0 home) before making a statement in their domestic opener with a 4-0 routing of UTA Arad.

Despite Ronaldo Webster missing out through injury, Craiova boast strong offensive options in Steven Nsimba, Assad Al-Hamlawi, and new signing Simon Elisor. Their European away experience from last season equips them well to handle the hostile atmosphere in Sofia.

Key Match Stats & Head-to-Head

• Five of Levski's last seven matches across all competitions have featured over 2.5 goals.

• Both teams found the net in three of Levski's last five outings.

• Universitatea Craiova enter this fixture on a three-game winning streak with a combined 9-1 goal margin.

Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova Prediction

Universitatea Craiova arrive in excellent goalscoring form, but Levski’s relentless home pressing—especially after the interval—presents a formidable test.

With Everton Bala in fine creative form and both forward lines clicking, an open, high-tempo contest with multiple goalscoring opportunities is expected in Sofia.

Official details and updates are accessible via UEFA.com.

Match Prediction: Total Goals Over 2.0