Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova: Champions League qualifying briefing

Levski Sofia welcome Universitatea Craiova tonight with the Vivacom Arena Georgi Asparuhov expecting a statement in this second qualifying round. Advancement opens the door to the next UEFA Champions League checkpoint and brings vital revenue. Both clubs know the margin for error is thin at 17:30 local time.

Match intel

Julio Velázquez keeps faith with a 4-3-3. Martin Lukov starts in goal. Álex Centelles and Maicon take the full-back slots, Kristian Dimitrov and Oliver Kamdem form the central pairing. Akram Bouras sits at the base with Gašper Trdin and Mazire Soula ready to press. Everton Bala and Reinaldo flank Juan Perea, whose movement will be key to stretching Craiova.

M. Rădoi answers with a 4-2-3-1. Alexandru Maxim guards the net. Oleksandr Romanchuk, Vladimir Screciu, Juraj Badelj, and Nikola Stevanović build from the back. Alexandru Crețu and Anzor Mekvabishvili protect the middle, Tudor Băluță operates between the lines. Nicușor Bancu and Carlos Mora supply width for Heriberto Tavares.

Tactical focus: Levski Sofia

Velázquez wants clean build-up and quick releases to the front three. Soula’s vertical carries and Trdin’s box-to-box energy should pin Craiova’s pivots. Perea must drag Badelj and Screciu out of position, creating lanes for Reinaldo’s diagonal runs. Expect early switches to Centelles, looking to exploit Bancu’s forward instincts. Set pieces remain a priority with Dimitrov’s aerial presence.

Tactical focus: Universitatea Craiova

Rădoi’s structure is disciplined. Crețu and Mekvabishvili must screen the gaps in front of Maxim, buying time for the full backs to recover. Bancu can overload Centelles, especially if Mora tucks inside to combine with Băluță. Tavares thrives on quick deliveries to feet. Craiova will target transitions, aiming to catch Levski’s midfield advanced. The pressing trigger comes when Lukov plays into Bouras, pushing Tavares and Băluță high.

Battle lines

• Midfield duel: Bouras versus Crețu sets the tone. Whoever dictates tempo shapes the first leg.
• Wide zones: Bala against Stevanović and Bancu roaming at Centelles promise constant recalibration.
• Physicality inside the box: Dimitrov and Kamdem must handle Tavares’ hold-up play without drawing fouls.

Form watch

Levski have tightened up defensively under Velázquez and will want that structure to carry into Europe. Craiova arrive confident after a positive pre-season tour, trusting Rădoi’s balance between possession and direct play. Perea’s sharpness since the restart has impressed the Levski staff, while Craiova have emphasized the importance of disciplined pressing away from home.

Outlook

Both managers know this tie can dictate their summer business. Velázquez wants an aggressive first leg to manage the away trip. Rădoi focuses on protecting Maxim and grabbing an away goal. Expect measured tempo early, then growing urgency once the touchlines feel momentum. Monitor how Levski handle Băluță’s drifting runs and whether Soula can control the rhythm.

Elsewhere in the competition, Omonia Nicosia vs Kairat Almaty highlights the stakes across this qualifying round.

Here we go: the winner tonight takes a clear path toward the third qualifying round. The second leg in Craiova will be unforgiving, so every duel and every pass in Sofia matters.