Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg Predictions

Prediction by The Form Guide — Red Bull Salzburg arrive on a 5-match winning run — routed to The Form Guide, which weights momentum most heavily.
UEFA Europa LeagueUEFA Europa League · World
high confidence
Levski Sofia

Levski Sofia

Full Time

0 - 1

AI predicted 1 - 3

Red Bull Salzburg

Red Bull Salzburg

🗓️ Thursday, 17 Sept 2026 at 16:45 UTC📍 Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sophia

Win Probability (1X2)

Levski Sofia 14%Draw 22%Red Bull Salzburg 64%

Best Value Pick

Match Result: Red Bull Salzburg Win

Match Result

6.5/10

Salzburg Edge Levski Sofia in Tight Europa League Opener

Red Bull Salzburg began their UEFA Europa League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Levski Sofia at the National Stadium Vasil Levski. The Austrian side seized control of the contest with a decisive goal in the 39th minute and managed to withstand late pressure from the hosts, who, despite firing 14 shots, failed to register a single one on target. Salzburg’s disciplined defensive display and clinical finishing made the difference in a match marked by physicality—21 fouls and five yellow cards for the visitors underscored their combative approach. Levski Sofia, meanwhile, struggled to convert their attacking intent into clear chances, ultimately coming up short in front of their home crowd.

💪 AI Prediction Report

DECENT HIT

Predicted

1 - 3

⚡

Actual

0 - 1

✅Result
✅BTTS
❌O/U 2.5
❌Score

💰 Bet Results1/2 hit

1x2 — Away
✅
over/under 2.5 — Over
❌

Key Moments

39' — Goal

H. Tabaković scores for Salzburg, finishing off a well-worked move to give the visitors the lead.

45' — Yellow Card

First of five Salzburg players booked as the visitors begin to employ tactical fouls.

60' — Yellow Card

Another Salzburg player goes into the book, underlining their physical approach in the second half.

75' — Substitution

Levski Sofia make attacking changes in search of an equalizer, pushing more players forward.

85' — Yellow Card

Salzburg pick up their fifth yellow card, slowing the game down as Levski press for a late goal.

Levski Sofia

Levski Sofia

5.5/10

Levski Sofia showed plenty of attacking ambition, registering 14 shots and earning five corners, but their lack of precision in the final third proved costly. Despite enjoying 46% possession and pushing forward in numbers, they failed to test Salzburg goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky, ending the match without a single shot on target. The midfield trio of Serginho, G. Trdin, and Everton Bala worked tirelessly to link play, but the final ball was often lacking. Defensively, Levski remained organized for much of the contest, but a lapse just before halftime allowed Salzburg to capitalize. The home side’s efforts to chase the game in the second half were met with frustration, as Salzburg’s physicality and tactical fouls disrupted their rhythm.

Key Players

Serginho: Energetic midfield display, helped drive Levski's attacks and controlled tempo in spells.
K. Dimitrov: Solid defensive presence, made several key interventions to keep the deficit at one.

Strengths

Created attacking opportunitiesMidfield work rateDefensive organization for large spells

Weaknesses

No shots on target despite 14 attemptsLack of cutting edge in final thirdStruggled to break down Salzburg's defensive block
Red Bull Salzburg

Red Bull Salzburg

7/10

Red Bull Salzburg executed a disciplined away performance, balancing attacking intent with defensive solidity. With 54% possession and seven shots on target from 12 attempts, they looked the more threatening side, particularly in the first half. Their breakthrough came in the 39th minute, and from there, Salzburg managed the game with tactical fouls and a compact defensive shape. Despite conceding more shots, Salzburg’s backline, marshaled by T. Drexler and K. Boma, limited Levski to speculative efforts. The midfield duo of A. Barry and B. Mazurek provided both steel and composure, while the attacking trio behind H. Tabaković offered creativity and pace. The five yellow cards highlighted their willingness to disrupt Levski’s momentum when needed.

Key Players

H. Tabaković: Scored the decisive goal in the 39th minute, leading the line with intelligence.
Christian Zawieschitzky: Kept a clean sheet, commanded his area, and organized the defense effectively.

Strengths

Clinical finishingDefensive disciplineEffective game management

Weaknesses

High foul count (21)Reliance on tactical fouls to disrupt playAllowed Levski too many shooting opportunities

Tactical Analysis

Both sides lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, leading to a congested midfield battle. Salzburg’s pressing was coordinated, especially after taking the lead, as they sought to disrupt Levski’s build-up play through frequent fouls and aggressive challenges. Their defensive line remained compact, forcing Levski into shots from distance and preventing clear sights of goal. Levski attempted to stretch the play with their wide midfielders, but Salzburg’s full-backs tracked runners diligently. The hosts’ lack of a focal point in attack was evident, as Reinaldo often found himself isolated against Salzburg’s center-backs. Set pieces offered Levski some hope, but Salzburg’s aerial strength and organization nullified these threats.

Turning Point

H. Tabaković’s 39th-minute goal shifted the momentum, allowing Salzburg to settle into a defensive posture and dictate the game’s tempo.

Man of the Match

H. Tabaković

Scored the match-winning goal and led Salzburg’s attack with composure and intelligence.

Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg: Match Preview

Red Bull Salzburg enter this Europa League tie in blistering form, having rattled off five consecutive wins across all competitions and averaging over three goals per game in that stretch. Their most recent outings include dominant victories in both domestic and European fixtures, with the attack firing early and often. Levski Sofia, by contrast, have experienced a rollercoaster run: three wins in five domestically, but their step up to continental competition has exposed defensive frailties, as seen in their 4-0 defeat to AEK Athens and a 4-2 home loss to CSKA Sofia in the Super Cup. Both sides are looking to make a statement in Europe, but the form lines suggest only one is currently operating at a high level.

The tactical contrast is stark. Salzburg’s attack is relentless, averaging 8.6 shots and 5.8 on target per match in their last five, while Levski’s defensive numbers are concerning, conceding two goals per game and allowing most of those in the second half. Salzburg’s seven first-half goals in five matches highlight their ability to start quickly, and their set-piece output (4.4 corners per game) could further stretch a Levski backline that has struggled to keep clean sheets. Levski’s own attacking output is modest, with just 1.4 shots on target per game, and they have failed to score in one of their last five, suggesting they may struggle to keep pace if Salzburg dictate terms.

The model expects Salzburg’s momentum to translate into a commanding away performance. Their blend of attacking variety, pressing intensity, and recent habit of scoring early and late should overwhelm a Levski side that has found it difficult to contain sides of higher quality. The likeliest scenario sees Salzburg take control before half-time and exploit spaces as Levski chase the game, with a 3-1 away win the most probable outcome based on current trajectories.

How Levski Sofia and Red Bull Salzburg Are Arriving

Form, fitness and who's likely to start.

Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg Goalscorer Form

Goals scored in last 5 matches across all competitions. Rate = goals ÷ 5 games. XI badge shows player is in the expected starting lineup.

Levski SofiaLevski Sofialast 5 matches
J. Pereasub/out
2 goals in 5
40%

Regular contributor

Everton BalaXI
1 goal in 5
20%

Occasional threat

SerginhoXI
1 goal in 5
20%

Occasional threat

A. Oko-FlexXI
1 goal in 5
20%

Occasional threat

Red Bull SalzburgRed Bull Salzburglast 5 matches
Haris TabakovićXI
5 goals in 5
100%

In exceptional form

Karim Konatesub/out
2 goals in 5
40%

Regular contributor

B. MazurekXI
2 goals in 5
40%

Regular contributor

A. Camarasub/out
1 goal in 5
20%

Occasional threat

N. VeratschnigXI
1 goal in 5
20%

Occasional threat

E. BaidooXI
1 goal in 5
20%

Occasional threat

Red Bull Salzburg are on a tear, winning five in a row and outscoring opponents 16-2 in that span. Their attack has been relentless, with multiple goals in every match and a habit of striking early. Levski Sofia, meanwhile, have mixed three domestic wins with two heavy defeats, their defensive frailties exposed whenever the opposition has real quality.

Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg — Last 5 Matches

Levski SofiaLevski SofiaLast 1 results
L0-1
Lvs Red Bull Salzburg0-1
Red Bull SalzburgRed Bull SalzburgLast 5 results
W1-0
W3-0
W1-0
D3-3
W1-0
W@ Levski Sofia1-0
Wvs Mjallby AIF3-0
W@ Mjallby AIF1-0
D@ Pafos3-3
Wvs Pafos1-0

Strengths

  • +4/5 wins in last 5 — excellent form
  • +Prolific attack — 2.8 goals/game (last 5)
  • +Defensively solid — 0.6 conceded/game
  • +80% clean sheet rate this season

Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg Prediction Confidence at a Glance

How strongly the model leans on each market.

Match Result (1X2)
14%
22%
64%
Levski Sofia 14%Draw 22%Red Bull Salzburg 64%
Both Teams to Score
48%
52%
Yes 48%No 52%
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
67%
33%
Over 2.5 67%Under 2.5 33%
Corners (Over/Under 9.5)
59%
41%
Over 9.5 59%Under 9.5 41%

Stats Worth Knowing

The numbers behind Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg that most previews miss.

  • 1Red Bull Salzburg have scored in both halves in four of their last five matches, with seven goals before and seven after the break.
  • 2Levski Sofia have conceded at least two goals in three of their last five, including four in each of their two defeats.
  • 3Salzburg’s shot-on-target average (5.8 per game) in their last five is over four times Levski’s (1.4), highlighting the gulf in attacking threat.

🎮 Prediction Playground

Think the model has it wrong? Nudge each team's expected goals and watch every probability react — then simulate the match and see what happens.

Levski Sofia1.10

Expected goals · model says 1.10

Red Bull Salzburg2.35

Expected goals · model says 2.35

Win Probability
Levski Sofia 16% Draw 19% Red Bull Salzburg 65%

Over 2.5 Goals

67%

BTTS: Yes

60%

Likely Scores

1-2 · 0-2 · 1-1

Play this match once with the probabilities above — every run is different.

Powered by the same Poisson scoreline model behind the prediction. For fun and exploration — not betting advice.

Who do you think wins: Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg?

Cast your vote, then see how it stacks up against the model.

The Case For This Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg Prediction

Red Bull Salzburg arrive in Sofia in the midst of a five-match winning streak, their attack purring with 16 goals in that span and a defensive record that’s been breached just twice. Levski Sofia, meanwhile, have been far more erratic: three wins in five domestically, but heavy defeats whenever they’ve stepped up in class, including a 4-0 loss to AEK Athens and a 4-2 reversal in the Super Cup. The form lines could not be more divergent, with Salzburg’s momentum and efficiency a stark contrast to Levski’s volatility. Statistically, the matchup is lopsided. Salzburg’s last five outings feature an average of 8.6 shots and 5.8 on target per game, while Levski have managed just 1.4 shots on target on average and conceded two goals per match. Salzburg’s pressing and early goal threat (seven first-half goals in five) should expose a Levski side that has conceded seven of their last eight goals after the break, suggesting the visitors can both start fast and finish strong. Set-piece threat also tilts Salzburg’s way, with 4.4 corners per game versus Levski’s 1.4. Given these trajectories, the model expects Salzburg’s form to carry through, with their attacking depth and recent European experience overwhelming a Levski side that has struggled to contain quality opposition. The likeliest scenario is Salzburg establishing control early, with Levski chasing the game and leaving further openings as the match progresses.

Key Factors at a Glance

Attack

  • →Salzburg average 3.2 goals per game and 5.8 shots on target in their last five.

Defence

  • →Salzburg’s five-match winning streak with 16 goals scored and only two conceded.
  • →Levski Sofia’s last five include two heavy defeats, conceding four goals in both.

More UEFA Europa League Predictions

🚩 Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg Corners Prediction

medium confidence
10.4expected total corners
Over 59%
Under 41%
Over 9.5Under 9.5

Our corners model projects roughly 5.2 corners for Levski Sofia and 5.2 for Red Bull Salzburg, for an expected total of 10.4. That makes the model lean Over 9.5 corners (59%). Over 8.5: 71% · Over 10.5: 46%.

More corners tips:Over 9.5 →Under 9.5 →

What History Says: Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg

There is no head-to-head data available between these two clubs, so the analysis is driven entirely by recent form and statistical trends.

Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg Head-to-Head History

Last 1 meeting between these sides

0

Levski Sofia wins

0

Draws

1

Red Bull Salzburg wins

0%0% draws100%
17 Sept 26Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg0-1

Where the Model Disagrees with the Odds: Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg

With no bookmaker odds available, value edges cannot be calculated for this fixture. However, the model’s strong lean towards Salzburg is rooted in their overwhelming recent form and attacking numbers, which would likely make them clear favourites in most markets.

Odds from Bet365. Positive edge = our model gives a higher probability than the odds imply. EV = expected value per £1 staked.

1X2

SelectionOddsModel %Edge
Levski Sofia Win3.4014.0%-15.4%
Draw3.7022.0%-5.0%
Red Bull Salzburg Winvalue2.0564.0%+15.2%

Over/Under 2.5

SelectionOddsModel %Edge
Over 2.5value1.6767.0%+7.1%
Under 2.52.2033.0%-12.5%

Both Teams Score

SelectionOddsModel %Edge
Yes1.5748.0%-15.7%
Novalue2.2552.0%+7.6%

Best Value Markets Found by the Model

1X2: Red Bull Salzburg Win @ 2.05EV +0.312
Over/Under 2.5: Over 2.5 @ 1.67EV +0.119
Both Teams Score: No @ 2.25EV +0.170

EV per £1 staked. Positive EV means this bet has mathematical edge over the long run. Past model accuracy is tracked on our predictions tracker.

Edge and EV are derived from model probabilities only and do not constitute financial advice. Odds fluctuate — always verify current prices with your bookmaker.

Things to Watch: Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg

  • ⚠️No odds available, so no value edges can be calculated.
  • ⚠️No head-to-head data between these sides; model relies entirely on recent form and derived stats.
  • ⚠️Levski’s home/away splits are unavailable, introducing some uncertainty about their home resilience.

This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Betting involves risk — always gamble responsibly.

Final Verdict

Levski Sofia 1–3 Red Bull Salzburg

The model calls a 3-1 away win for Red Bull Salzburg, with the single strongest data point being the visitors’ five-match winning streak and 3.2 goals per game average. The main way this could go wrong is if Levski’s home advantage proves more significant than their recent stats suggest, or if Salzburg’s finishing cools off after a hot run.

Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg: Common Questions

Who will win Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg?

Based on current form, Red Bull Salzburg are strong favourites with a 64% win probability. Their five-match winning streak and 3.2 goals per game average far outstrip Levski Sofia’s recent results.

Will both teams score in Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg?

The model gives a 48% probability for both teams to score. While Salzburg’s defence has been tight (three clean sheets in five), Levski have scored in four of their last five, so there’s a reasonable chance the hosts find the net.

Can Salzburg’s winning streak continue in Sofia?

Salzburg’s momentum is backed by both performance and numbers: five straight wins, 16 goals scored, and only two conceded. With Levski conceding heavily in their last two defeats, Salzburg’s run looks sustainable barring a dramatic home improvement from the hosts.

How This Prediction Was Made

The numbers on this page come from a structured statistical pack for Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg: recent results and scoring data for both sides, home/away splits, the head-to-head record, current league standings, known injuries and live bookmaker odds, all sourced from the API-Football data feed.

This fixture was routed to The Form Guide, the momentum specialist — weights the last five matches above everything. An AI model running that profile analyses the pack and produces the probabilities, predicted score and written analysis shown above. Nothing is edited by hand, and no information outside the data pack is used.

Last updated: 10 September 2026 (refreshed automatically as new team data arrives). Every prediction is scored against the real result once the match finishes — see the verified track record or read the full methodology. Football is inherently uncertain: treat this page as analysis, not advice.

More Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg Resources