Football Bet of the Day: Levski Sofia can ride momentum from historic title

Bulgarian champions Levski Sofia meet Romanian counterparts Universitatea Craiova in the first leg of the second round of Champions League qualifying (6:30pm, TNT Sports). The home side are aiming to reach a first continental group stage since their 2009/10 Europa League campaign.

This is where we’re heading today for our Football Bet of the Day.

Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova

Levski Sofia returned to the mountaintop last season by winning their first Bulgarian title since 2009. The achievement was even more historic as it brought to an end Ludogorets’ 14-year stranglehold on the league championship.

A little scepticism could have been forgiven in January 2025 when manager Julio Velazquez was appointed. The Spaniard was joining his 14th club in 15 years. Alcorcon was the only side he had stayed at for more than 45 games, with blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spells at Udinese, Real Betis and Villarreal on his CV. 

But 19-months on, Velazquez is 19-months into his second-longest managerial stint and has a league title in the cabinet. The 44-year-old might have finally found a home.

Football Odds

Universitatea Craiova have also just broken a title drought, albeit their 2025/26 triumph was their first in six years rather than nearly two decades. They topped the first stage of the league, before pipping second-placed Cluj to the post in the second half of the season to clinch the title.

They are a fine side, but lack some of the quality Levski can boast. Which is why I fancy the Bulgarian boys to win this first leg at home. 

Craiova do have a mistake in them on their travels. They had a man sent off in their 4-1 loss to Farul and another dismissal in a 4-0 defeat at Cluj. This is a team more comfortable on home soil, proven by how they beat both the named sides in the reverse fixtures at home.

Levski can dominate here and I think Velazquez’s men will secure victory without conceding. Only Ludogorets had a better defensive record in the Bulgarian top flight last season. A confident Sofia side should emerge with a victory and a clean sheet in my estimation. 2/1 with Betfred if you agree.