Universitatea Craiova vs Levski Sofia Prediction: 29.07.2026 UEFA Champions League

Universitatea Craiova host Levski Sofia on 29 July 2026 in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round tie, and the Romanian side faces a steep climb. Levski won the first leg 1-0 in Craiova, so the hosts must score at least once while keeping a clean sheet just to force extra time. That context alone makes this a tense, high-stakes evening at Stadionul Ion Oblemenco.

Keep an eye on Aime Steven Nsimba Labe for Craiova. He leads their attack with two goals in the last five matches and the most shots of any outfield player in that run, making him the most direct threat going forward. For Levski, Reinaldo Nascimento Satorno has been sharp with two goals across recent fixtures, and his movement in behind a high defensive line could be punishing if Craiova push too many men forward chasing the tie.

A hot stat worth flagging: Universitatea Craiova accumulated 14 yellow cards across their last five matches, the highest tally in this dataset. That level of indiscipline under pressure, in a match where they are chasing a deficit, is a genuine risk factor.

Universitatea Craiova vs Levski Sofia Prediction

Craiova need to overturn a one-goal deficit, and that necessity will force them into an open, attacking shape from the first whistle. Their 4-4-2 system provides width and double attacking presence, but it also leaves gaps on the counter. Levski, set up in a 3-4-3, are well equipped to exploit exactly that kind of space.

Levski have not lost a single match in their last seven games, posting five wins and two draws. Craiova’s form over the same period shows four wins but also two losses, and one of those defeats was the 1-0 first-leg reverse. The Bulgarian side travel to Romania with momentum, defensive solidity, and the psychological advantage of holding the tie.

We predict Levski to score at least once on the counter, and Craiova to find the net in their desperate push to stay alive. Both teams scoring looks the strongest value in this fixture. Craiova’s 14 yellow cards in five games signal a side that fouls frequently and plays with intensity, which suits a match where they have nothing to lose. Levski’s relatively low foul count and tighter disciplinary record suggest a team that defends with structure rather than desperation, making them dangerous on the break when Craiova’s lines stretch.

The corner count for Craiova over their last five matches stands at 29, reflecting their tendency to dominate territory and force play into wide areas. Expect a high corner volume from the home side as they press forward.

Team Analysis

Universitatea Craiova’s recent run carries a sharp contrast. They beat UTA Arad 4-0 and Maxline 1-0 in mid-July, showing genuine attacking punch, but their last outing before this second leg was a 1-5 loss to Dinamo Bucuresti. That is a damaging result in terms of confidence, and it came just days after the 0-1 first-leg defeat to Levski. Back-to-back losses heading into an elimination match is not ideal preparation for Filipe Coelho’s side. Their attacking numbers are solid across five matches with 90 total shots and 29 corners, but converting those opportunities remains the challenge.

Levski Sofia arrive in excellent shape. Julio Velázquez’s side beat Lokomotiv Sofia 2-1 most recently, following that up as the continuation of a run that includes a 4-0 victory over Borac Banja Luka and the first-leg win over Craiova. Their only blemish in the last five matches is a draw against Dunav Ruse and a draw with Borac Banja Luka in an earlier meeting. They have not lost once in that stretch, and their attacking output, led by Satorno and Armstrong Oko-Flex, gives them multiple routes to goal.

🚨Check out our dedicated Universitatea Craiova vs Levski Sofia stats page for more info.

Pre-game Odds and Win Probability: Universitatea Craiova the Favourite

• Moneyline Universitatea Craiova 1.85 (avg) | Levski Sofia 4.04 (avg)
• Draw 3.41 (avg)
• Over/Under Over 2.5 N/A | Under 2.5 N/A
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes N/A | No N/A

The market prices Craiova as favourites at around 1.85, which makes sense given home advantage and the obligation to attack. Levski at roughly 4.04 looks like fair value to us, given their unbeaten run, their first-leg lead, and their ability to exploit space on the counter. A draw at 3.41 is interesting only if Craiova score early and Levski sit back, but that scenario feels unlikely given Levski’s attacking 3-4-3 setup. The home win price reflects the crowd factor and Craiova’s attacking quality, but it does not fully account for the structural advantage Levski hold in this tie.

Possible Starting Lineups

Universitatea Craiova Possible Starting Eleven

Craiova are likely to line up in their familiar 4-4-2, with Laurențiu Popescu as first-choice goalkeeper based on his consistent appearances. The back four picks itself around Stevanović, Rus, Crețu, and Romanchuk, all of whom have featured regularly. In midfield, Bancu and Mekvabishvili provide energy and passing volume, while Cicâldău and Teles add creativity and shot threat. Up front, Nsimba Labe is the standout name to watch, given his two goals and nine shots across recent games. Carlos Mora alongside him brings assists and movement. Stefan Baiaram is a strong option off the bench if more creativity is needed late on.

Levski Sofia Possible Starting Eleven

Levski are expected to deploy their 3-4-3 system, though the data available leans toward a four-defender shape in this lineup projection. Vutsov starts in goal. Kristian Dimitrov is one of the most important players in this squad, with two goals from defensive positions, making him a set-piece threat. Sergio Miguel Lobo Araujo leads the team in assists with three across recent matches and will be central to Levski’s build-up play. Satorno with two goals and Oko-Flex with one give Julio Velázquez a two-pronged attacking threat. Juan Esteban Perea Sanchez provides an impact option from the bench.

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TipsGG Match Prediction

This second leg has the ingredients for a lively, open match. Craiova must attack from the start, their 90 shots and 29 corners across five recent games confirm they generate chances in volume. The problem is converting them, and their defensive discipline, illustrated by 14 yellow cards in five matches, could leave them exposed.

Levski have gone unbeaten through seven straight matches, their 71% win rate in the last 30 days is the stronger of the two sides, and they hold the tie’s most important asset: a clean first-leg lead. We predict both teams to score, with Levski ultimately advancing. The most likely scenario sees Craiova grab a goal but Levski respond, ending the tie in Levski’s favour on aggregate. Both teams to score at Yes, and over 2.5 goals in the match, are the picks we back with most confidence.

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