UEFA Europa League – League Phase, Matchday 1
Thursday, 17 September 2026
Kick-off times
- 17:45 BST
- 18:45 CET
- 19:45 local (Sofia)
- 12:45 ET
Venue: Natsionalen Stadion Vasil Levski, Sofia
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg — Preview
Levski Sofia host Red Bull Salzburg in the opening round of the UEFA Europa League league phase. The Bulgarian leaders welcome the Austrian side to the Vasil Levski National Stadium for their first European meeting since 2009. Salzburg arrive unbeaten in the Bundesliga and after successful Europa League qualifying. Levski sit top of the Bulgarian First League after a strong domestic start that followed their Champions League exit.
Salzburg have never lost to Levski. The two sides met twice in the 2009/10 Europa League group stage — both finished 1-0 to the Austrians.
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg — Recent Form
Levski Sofia (Last 5)
| # | Opponent | Result | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Botev Vratsa (A) | D | 0-0 | First League |
| 2 | CSKA Sofia (H) | L | 2-4 | Super Cup |
| 3 | CSKA 1948 (H) | W | 1-0 | First League |
| 4 | Slavia Sofia (A) | W | 2-1 | First League |
| 5 | Botev Plovdiv (A) | W | 3-1 | First League |
Red Bull Salzburg (Last 5)
| # | Opponent | Result | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SV Ried (A) | D | 1-1 | Bundesliga |
| 2 | St. Pölten (A) | W | 3-0 | ÖFB-Cup |
| 3 | Rapid Wien (H) | W | 5-1 | Bundesliga |
| 4 | Austria Wien (H) | W | 4-1 | Bundesliga |
| 5 | Mjällby (H) | W | 3-0 | Europa League Qualifying |
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg — Head-to-Head Record
Only two previous meetings exist between the sides:
- 22 October 2009: Red Bull Salzburg 1-0 Levski Sofia (Europa League)
- 5 November 2009: Levski Sofia 0-1 Red Bull Salzburg (Europa League)
Overall record: Salzburg 2 wins, Levski 0, Draws 0. Goals: Salzburg 2–0.
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg — Team News & Injuries
Team news unconfirmed at time of writing. Check back closer to kick-off.
No major confirmed absences reported from Primary or Tier 1/2 sources for either side.
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg — Expected Lineups
Levski Sofia (Predicted 4-2-3-1)
Vutsov;
Aldair, Dimitrov, Makoun, Centelles;
Grujić, Mitkov;
Okoflex, Serginho, Bala;
Reinaldo
Red Bull Salzburg (Predicted 4-2-3-1)
Christian Zawieschitzky
Nikolas Veratschnig – Kévin Boma – Valentin Zabransky – Dominik Schmid
Abubakr Barry – Bartosz Mazurek
Yorbe Vertessen – Sota Kitano – Edmund Baidoo
Haris Tabaković
Line-ups are predicted and remain unconfirmed.
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg — Tactical Preview
Levski are expected to prioritise defensive organisation and a compact shape at home, looking to frustrate Salzburg and hit on the counter.
Salzburg will press high, dominate possession and attack with width and intensity, continuing the approach that has brought them strong results so far this season.
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg — Key Battles
Levski’s Central Defence vs Salzburg’s Front Three
Can Dimitrov and Makoun handle the movement of Tabaković, Vertessen and Konaté?
Grujić vs Salzburg’s Midfield Press
The Serbian midfielder will need to win second balls and help Levski break the high press.
Salzburg Wide Attackers vs Levski Full-Backs
Width and overloads will be a key route for the visitors.
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg — Stats Spotlight
- Levski: 21 goals scored, 4 conceded in 9 Bulgarian league games
- Salzburg: Unbeaten in the Bundesliga (4 wins, 2 draws)
- H2H: Salzburg kept clean sheets in both previous meetings
- Levski exited the Champions League play-offs to AEK Athens 0-4 on aggregate
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg — Set-Piece Analysis
Limited detailed set-piece data is available from approved sources at the time of writing.
Salzburg have scored regularly from open play and set pieces in recent matches. Levski are organised defensively but can be vulnerable against high-quality delivery. Both sides will treat dead-ball situations as important scoring opportunities.
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg — Betting & Odds Insight
Salzburg are favourites in most markets. Over 2.5 goals has been a frequent outcome in Salzburg’s recent games.
Odds subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg — Prediction & Verdict
Red Bull Salzburg 2–0 Levski Sofia
Salzburg’s pressing intensity, current form and superior European experience make them clear favourites. Levski will make it difficult at home, but the visitors have the quality to break them down and keep a clean sheet, repeating the pattern from 2009.
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg — Where to Watch
- United Kingdom: Check Sky Sports / local UEFA partners
- Europe: Local UEFA broadcast partners
- United States: Paramount+
- Bulgaria: Local terrestrial and streaming partners
- India: Check local rights holders / streaming platforms
Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg — FAQ Section
What time is Levski Sofia vs Salzburg?
Kick-off is 17:45 BST (18:45 CET / 19:45 local Sofia time / 12:45 ET) on Thursday 17 September 2026.
Where can I watch Levski Sofia vs Salzburg?
In the UK check Sky Sports or local UEFA partners. In the United States the match is on Paramount+. Bulgarian viewers have local terrestrial and streaming options.
Who will win Levski Sofia vs Salzburg?
Red Bull Salzburg are favourites. The prediction is a 2-0 away win based on form, head-to-head and tactical matchup.
What are the predicted lineups for Levski Sofia vs Salzburg?
Both sides are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1. Full predicted XIs are listed in the Expected Lineups section above.
What are the odds for Levski Sofia vs Salzburg?
Salzburg are priced as favourites across major bookmakers. Odds are subject to change.
