Levski Sofia will make a long-awaited return to continental football this midweek as they welcome Red Bull Salzburg to the Georgi Asparuhov Stadium on Thursday for the opening league-phase round of the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League campaign. The hosts will be looking to put in a statement performance against one of the tougher sides in their section and boost their chances of reaching the knockout stages.
Levski Sofia picked up positive results against FK Borac, Universitatea Craiova, and Kairat Almaty during their Champions League qualifying campaign but ultimately had to settle for a place in the Europa League following a 4-0 aggregate defeat to AEK Athens in the playoff round.
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The Bulgarian side, who had failed to reach the main stages of a European competition since the 2010-11 season, have been drawn against some big names, including AC Milan and Olympique de Marseille. However, they will remain hopeful of building on the momentum generated by their remarkable domestic league form.
Red Bull Salzburg have also started their league season in solid form but will have loftier ambitions in the Europa League this term after being knocked out in the league phase of last season’s edition.
The Austrian giants are unbeaten in competitive action since July and will be in high spirits when they make the trip to Bulgaria to face a side with significantly less recent European experience.
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The sides have met on two previous occasions going into Thursday’s game, facing off in the group stage of the 2009-10 Europa League campaign, with Die Roten Bullen winning both encounters.
- Levski have the joint-best offensive record in the Bulgarian top flight this season, having scored 21 goals in nine games.
- The visitors have the third-best attacking record in the Austrian Bundesliga so far, with 15 goals scored in six games.
- Salzburg have failed to make it past the group or league phase of a European competition in each of the last four seasons.
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg Prediction
There is very little separating these two sides, but Levski will fancy their chances of securing a favorable result thanks to their home advantage.
Salzburg’s young squad could struggle to perform at their best on foreign soil, but head coach Danny Röhl will hope his side can do enough to earn a point away from home.
Prediction: Levski Sofia 2-2 Red Bull Salzburg
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Draw
Tip 2 – Goals – Over/under 2.5 – Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3 – Both teams to score: Yes
Edited by Peter Pedroncelli