A clash set under the Sofia floodlights, Levski Sofia host Dutch visitors AZ Alkmaar in the Conference League playoffs on 21 August 2025. This tie carries genuine intrigue, as both sides are brimming with ambition and recent form worth admiring. Levski are unbeaten in their last nine, while the Alkmaar outfit, under Maarten Martens, seek continental progress to match their Eredivisie pedigree.
Key players to watch? You cannot overlook Levski’s influential midfielder Mazire Soula, who has notched a goal and assist in his last two starts, as well as AZ’s in-form striker Troy Parrott, a revelation with six goals from four recent outings. Their head-to-head could decide the direction of the tie, especially with both midfields designed to retain possession and break lines efficiently.
Hot stat: Troy Parrott’s six goals in his last four for AZ Alkmaar stand as the tie’s most eye-catching stat, highlighting a player enjoying a clinical purple patch.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA Europa Conference League 2025/26 |
| 🏟 Venue: | Vivacom Arena Georgi Asparuhov, Sofia |
| 🗓️ Date: | 21.08.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 21:00 CEST |
🏅Best bets for Levski Sofia vs AZ Alkmaar at WinSpirit with a Welcome bonus 100% up to 100$ and 25% Freebet💰
Levski Sofia vs AZ Alkmaar prediction
Our top value prediction for this enticing tie tips AZ Alkmaar as the most likely winners, bolstered by a more potent attacking line and the red-hot form of striker Troy Parrott. While Levski Sofia are unbeaten in nine and display well-structured defensive resolve – evident in just one goal conceded across their last five matches – their output up front is somewhat muted compared to the Dutch side’s attacking flair.
Expect a tightly contested affair, most likely to open up in the second half as both teams probe for weaknesses. Levski average just five yellow cards in their last five matches, demonstrating discipline. AZ Alkmaar’s eleven yellows and a red card over the same span may expose them to risky defensive transitions. Ball retention favours AZ, with nearly 1700 passes and excellent accuracy (over 80 percent recently), compared to Levski’s much lower passing volume. This statistical gap could grant AZ territorial control, helping tip the scales in their favour.
That said, Levski’s set-piece threat (41 corners in five matches) and stubborn home defence mean the visitors will need to maintain patience and composure. Nevertheless, goals look likely given the firepower on display, so we foresee both teams getting on the scoresheet.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | AZ Alkmaar -0.75 Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Levski Sofia’s recent games:
Julio Velázquez’s side remain defensively resolute, snapping up four wins and two draws from their last six. Most recently, a goalless away draw against Botev Vratsa might raise eyebrows – yet it underscored Levski’s priority to avoid defeat even at the expense of adventurous football.
Earlier, a convincing 2-0 win over Sabah Baku in this very competition showcased Levski’s ability to capitalise on home advantage, stifling their opposition with compact lines and quick breaks led by Mazire Soula and Radoslav Kirilov. Their output of seven goals in five and a mere three yellow cards underline a disciplined, well-drilled unit.
AZ Alkmaar’s recent games:
AZ, marshalled by Maarten Martens, travel with an attacking swagger, demonstrated in a 2-2 league draw with Volendam and a 4-1 thrashing of Groningen. Notably, Parrott’s clinical exploits lend the Alkmaar side a crucial edge, with ten goals scored in their last five matches. Their passing numbers (close to 1400) and 37 interceptions indicate a high-press style, though an increased card count points towards an aggressive, occasionally reckless, approach.
A measured 1-0 win away at Vaduz in Europe proves AZ can grind out results, even if their open play sometimes leaves defensive gaps open to counter-attacks.
🚨Read our full Levski Sofia vs AZ Alkmaar stats for more analysis.

Levski Sofia. Source: Official Website
Pre-game odds and win probability: AZ Alkmaar the favourite
- Moneyline Levski Sofia 4.50 | AZ Alkmaar 1.73
- Draw 3.85
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.93 | Under 2.5 1.87
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.82 | No 1.97
The bookmakers’ odds make AZ Alkmaar the clear away favourites, and with just cause: their higher world ranking, greater attacking volume, and recent run of form justify the odds. Levski are underdogs but could frustrate with defensive organisation. The draw price points to a credible chance of Levski holding AZ, especially early doors, but if AZ find rhythm and Parrott maintains his form, their odds for the win offer value. The over 2.5 market appeals given recent goal hauls, while both teams to score feels a prudent shout based on attacking output and defensive lapses in both camps.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
🏅Tips.GG premium subscription brings you even closer to WIN!🏅
- Gain access to the most profitable bets by using our analysis of over 60,000 monthly predictions from 1000+ sources.
- Premium users enjoy predictions from tipsters with the highest win rate while also gaining access to favorable odds, outcome calculation, and quick filter to favorable odds.
- Unlock the “Golden Bet” – our unique formula for the best high-odd betting opportunities! Get detailed reports on our system’s performance, including Winrate, ROI, and Yield.
Possible Starting Lineups
Levski Sofia possible starting eleven

- GK: Svetoslav Vutsov
- DF: Tsunami, Kristian Dimitrov, Aldair, Maicon Araújo dos Santos
- MF: Asen Mitkov, Gasper Trdin, Mazire Soula, Carlos Ohene, Rildo Goncalves de Amorin Filho
- FW: Radoslav Kirilov
Levski’s consistent 4-2-3-1 formation reflects their compact defensive core and quick transitions. Expect Vutsov to keep his place between the sticks, with a tried-and-tested back four. Mazire Soula’s dynamism in midfield and Radoslav Kirilov’s energy up top stand out; Kirilov especially has the flair and instinct to trouble AZ’s high backline. The squad’s cohesion and familiarity with the system make them a stubborn unit, tough to break down at home.
AZ Alkmaar possible starting eleven

- GK: Hobie Verhulst
- DF: Mees de Wit, Denso Kasius, Alexandre Penetra, Wouter Goes
- MF: Jordy Clasie, Sven Mijnans, Kees Smit
- FW: Ibrahim Sadiq, Troy Parrott, Mexx Meerdink
AZ will likely stick with their favoured 4-2-3-1, mirroring Levski but offering greater vertical thrust through Parrott and Sadiq. With Hobie Verhulst a safe pair of gloves, De Wit and Kasius bombing up the flanks, and midfield metronome Mijnans setting the tempo, AZ’s line-up is constructed to dominate possession and feed Parrott, their in-form goal machine. Sadiq’s pace and link-up provide additional threat; their only challenge is curbing defensive lapses and card accumulation.
Best football betting sites and Bonuses
| 🏆Betting site | 💰Welcome offer | 🤑Promo code |
|---|---|---|
| WinSpirit | Welcome bonus 100% up to 100$; 25% Freebet | TIPS.GG |
| Thunderpick | Welcome offer +100% up to 600€ | TIPSGG |
| GG.bet | Freebet up to 50USD | TIPSGG |
| N1Bet | Welcome offer 120% up to 600$ | TIPSGG |
| Stake | 200% promo code bonus up to 500$ | TIPSGG |

AZ Alkmaar. Source: Official Website
My take on the Match
Given all factors, AZ Alkmaar possess the edge for both form and talent, particularly in attack. Our main pick is AZ Alkmaar to win, though Levski are capable of an early shock with their home resilience and set-piece prowess. We can expect a high-tempo match, tactical battles in the middle third, and perhaps a moment of individual brilliance from Parrott or Soula to break the deadlock. This fixture feels set to deliver excitement and moments where disciplined defending will be put to the test.
No matter the outcome, both sides have plenty to offer this season – keep an eye on their respective journeys, as European football loves a surprise.

