Levski Sofia vs Braga Prediction – UEFA Europa League Qualifiers: July 24, 2025
The UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign continues this Thursday as Levski Sofia take on Braga in the first leg of their second-round clash at Stadion Georgi Asparuhov in Sofia.
Thursday’s clash marks the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, and while Braga are clear favorites, the Bulgarians bring form, fitness, and fighting spirit into the tie.
Levski Sofia: Building Momentum for a Tough Challenge
Julio Velazquez’s Levski are in excellent rhythm. After edging Hapoel Be’er Sheva on penalties in the previous round, The Blues kicked-off their domestic campaign with an emphatic 5-0 win over newly-promoted Montana, extending their unbeaten streak to 10 matches across all competitions, stretching back to last season.
Under the guidance of Julio Velazquez, the team looks more cohesive and confident, especially at home, where they have not lost in their last five competitive games. That strong form will be crucial as they welcome Braga in what promises to be a stern test of their European ambitions.
The Blues secured their place in the second qualifying round after overcoming Hapoel Be’er Sheva on penalties. Although their first-leg performance at home ended in a goalless draw, they showed grit and determination in Hungary, fighting to a 1-1 stoppage-time draw and eventually triumphing in the shootout. That fighting spirit, combined with their home crowd, could make them tricky opposition even for more experienced continental sides.
Key reinforcements bolster Levski’s chances, including the return of left-back Maicon from suspension and the surprise recovery of captain Tsunami, who had been expected to miss a month following an injury against Be’er Sheva. While it’s uncertain if Tsunami will start, his presence in the squad adds depth and leadership.
Velazquez is expected to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, though he may once again opt for a ‘false nine’ forward in Everton Bala, keeping golden substitute Mustapha Sangare—a scorer against Montana—for the later stages. Marin Petkov, coming off a brace in the league, will likely feature in the advanced midfield role, offering creativity and pace behind the striker. Although Levski lack the pedigree of regular European competition, their hunger, sharp form, and strong home record should not be underestimated.
Summer signing Rildo may have to settle for a place on the bench, with Marin Petkov expected to occupy the attacking midfield role—potentially for the last time in a Levski shirt, as the Bulgarian international is reportedly on the verge of a move to Polish Ekstraklasa side Raków Częstochowa following the match.
Braga: New-Look Ambitions Under Vicens
After a summer of transformation, Braga arrive in Sofia brimming with optimism and attacking flair. Their fourth-place finish in the 2024–25 Primeira Liga was enough to grant them direct entry into this round, although a poor end to their domestic campaign — four winless matches — denied them a spot in the group stage. That led to the departure of manager Carlos Carvalhal and the appointment of former Manchester City assistant coach Carlos Vicens, who has wasted no time leaving his mark.
Vicens, who learned under Pep Guardiola, brings modern ideas and tactical flexibility to Braga. In pre-season, he experimented with both 4-2-3-1 and a fluid 3-4-1-2 system, which transitions into a 3-5-2 during attacking phases. His approach has yielded excellent results so far, with four straight wins in friendlies, including an impressive 3-1 victory over La Liga’s Celta Vigo.
Midfield control remains a strength, anchored by veteran Joao Moutinho, who at 38 is still dictating play and bringing vast international experience. Alongside him, Jean-Baptiste Gorby adds youthful energy, while Mario Dorgeles provides dynamism in central areas. Braga’s captain Ricardo Horta remains the club’s attacking lynchpin and is expected to link up with new signing Fran Navarro, a €3 million arrival from FC Porto, in a potent front two.
In defense, Vicens has built a backline around new signing Gustav Lagerbielke and U21 Germany international Bright Arrey-Mbi, with Vítor Carvalho offering tactical versatility — shifting from full-back to midfield during build-up play. Czech international Lukas Hornícek is the man between the posts and looks set to continue as Braga’s No.1.
Despite not having played an official match yet this season, Braga are well-prepared, tactically adaptable, and full of confidence following a strong pre-season. Their superior European pedigree, deeper squad, and recent investments in talent give them the edge on paper, but how well they handle the pressure of a hostile Sofia crowd remains to be seen.
All in all, The Archbishops enjoyed an impressive pre-season campaign, recording convincing victories over Austrian outfit Wolfsberger (2-0), Greek giants Panathinaikos (2-1), fellow Primeira Liga side Moreirense (2-0), and Spanish La Liga club Celta Vigo (3-1) in their final game.
Possible Starting Lineups of Levski Sofia and Braga
Levski Sofia: Svetoslav Vutsov – Aldair Neves, Kristian Dimitrov, Christian Makoun, Maicon – Gasper Trdin, Georgi Kostadinov – Karl Fabien, Marin Petkov, Radoslav Kirilov – Everton Bala. (4-2-3-1)
Braga: Lukas Hornicek – Bright Arrey-Mbi, Paulo Oliveira, Gustaf Lagerbielke – Mario Dorgeles, Joao Moutinho, Vítor Carvalho, Gorby – Rodrigo Zalazar – Ricardo Horta, Fran Navarro. (3-4-1-2)
Betting Preview and Prediction
Braga are firm favorites at -200, with a draw priced at +320 and a Levski Sofia upset valued at +425.
While Braga are favorites on paper and they achieved a considerable winning streak in pre-season friendlies, they are playing their first competitive game of the season, and historically Portuguese teams can struggle away from home early in qualifiers.
Levski, on the other hand, should be match-fit and riding a wave of optimism after a powerful domestic start and a resilient display in the previous Europa League qualifying round. While Braga’s superior squad depth and quality make them clear favorites for the trip to Sofia, Levski’s rhythm, sharpness, and home advantage should not be overlooked.
Given the offensive potential and current form of both teams, backing both sides to find the net appears to be the most valuable betting selection, we believe, ahead of this first-leg clash in Sofia.