Levski Sofia 1-0 CS Universitatea Craiova – Champions League Qualifying First Leg

Levski Sofia took a vital step toward the UEFA Champions League group stage with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over CS Universitatea Craiova in the first leg of their qualifying tie at the Georgi Asparuhov Stadium. A solitary goal in a tense, physical encounter gave the Bulgarian side a narrow advantage to take to Romania for the return leg.

Match Overview

Played under the floodlights on 23 July 2026, this was a classic European qualifier: cautious, tactical, and decided by a single moment of quality. Levski Sofia dominated possession in the first half but found the Romanian visitors well-organized. The breakthrough came just before the hour mark, when a swift counter-attack caught Craiova off guard.

Key Moment

The decisive goal arrived in the 58th minute. A long ball from deep midfield was flicked on by Levski's target man, allowing winger Ivaylo Nakov to sprint onto the loose ball. Nakov cut inside from the left flank and unleashed a curling effort that beat the Craiova goalkeeper at the near post. It was a finish that showcased composure under pressure.

Tactical Story

Levski Sofia set up in a compact 4-2-3-1, pressing high when Craiova attempted to build from the back. The Bulgarian side’s midfield duo of Andrian Kraev and Filip Krastev worked tirelessly to disrupt the visitors' rhythm. Craiova, meanwhile, relied on quick transitions through their wingers but lacked a clinical edge in the final third. Levski’s central defenders, Vasil Panayotov and Plamen Galabov, were unbeatable in the air.

Standout Players

• Ivaylo Nakov (Levski Sofia) – Scored the winner and was a constant threat on the counter.
• Vasil Panayotov (Levski Sofia) – Dominant at the back, making several crucial clearances.
• Andrei Ivan (CS Universitatea Craiova) – The Romanian striker worked hard but lacked service.

Season & Competition Impact

The narrow win puts Levski Sofia in a strong position heading into the second leg in Craiova. A clean sheet away from home would confirm their progression. For CS Universitatea Craiova, the task is clear: win by at least one goal to force extra time, or by two to progress directly. The tie remains finely balanced. In the broader Champions League context, both clubs are seeking a return to the group stage – Levski last appeared in 2006, while Craiova have never qualified for the modern group phase.