Levski Sofia vs Salzburg Prediction & Tips | Europa League - League phase | FootballTips.app

Levski Sofia return to the main stage of European competition for the first time in 15 years when they host unbeaten Red Bull Salzburg. Julio Velázquez’s side dropped into the Europa League after a Champions League play-off defeat to AEK Athens, while Salzburg secured their place by overcoming Mjällby.

Levski’s qualification run ended with a 4-0 aggregate defeat to AEK, having held the Greek side to a goalless draw in the first leg before collapsing away from home. Even so, reaching this stage represents significant progress for the Bulgarian club, which has lost only twice in 18 competitive matches this season.

Salzburg arrive in even stronger form, unbeaten in their first 12 matches across all competitions. They beat Mjällby 4-0 on aggregate in the Europa League play-offs, with Karim Konaté scoring twice in the second leg, and have found the net in 15 consecutive matches.

The historical head-to-head also favours the visitors. Salzburg won both previous meetings 1-0 during the 2009/10 Europa League group stage, although Levski’s recent European home record offers encouragement, with seven clean sheets in their last eight such fixtures.

However, Salzburg has one major warning sign. They have lost their last nine Europa League away matches in the competition proper, a run stretching back to 2018. Danny Röhl also endured a difficult Europa League campaign with Rangers last season, winning only one of six league-phase games.

Levski’s defensive record should ensure this is competitive, but Salzburg’s attacking form gives them a clear advantage. The Austrians are averaging more than seven shots on target per match this season and have scored 17 goals across their last six fixtures, while Levski have managed only one first-half goal in the same span.