Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | 17 September 2026

Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg prediction: Goal.mu predicts Levski Sofia 1-1 Red Bull Salzburg.

Match Details

• Fixture: Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg
• Competition: UEFA Europa League
• Date: Thursday, September 17
• Venue: Vasil Levski National Stadium
• Prediction: Levski Sofia 1-1 Red Bull Salzburg

A European Return 15 Years in the Making

Levski Sofia host Red Bull Salzburg at the Vasil Levski National Stadium on Thursday evening in the opening round of the 2026-27 Europa League league phase.

The Bulgarian champions returning to the main stage of European competition for the first time in 15 years.

Julio Velazquez 's side arrive having lost only two of their 18 matches across all competitions this season (W12, D4).

The Red Bulls remain unbeaten after 12 games (W9, D3), setting up an intriguing contest.

Levski Sofia fell short of the Champions League league phase.

The Bulgarian champions playing three qualifying rounds of Europe's elite competition before they were eliminated by AEK Athens in the playoff round, suffering a 4-0 aggregate defeat.

Levski’s Defensive Platform

That defeat was followed by a switch into the Europa League league phase.

The Bulgarian champions now back in the main stage of a European competition for the first time since the 2010-11 season, when they participated in the group stage of this competition.

How Red Bull Salzburg Can Break the Home Rhythm

Red Bull Salzburg do not need to press every pass.

They need clear triggers.

Applied to Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, the issue is whether Levski Sofia can impose the next action before Red Bull Salzburg recover their preferred shape.

Salzburg’s Unbeaten Start

Velazquez's side have won eight of their first nine Bulgarian First League matches this season, scoring 21 goals and conceding just four, before dropping points for the first time in their most recent game against Botev Vratsa in a 0-0 draw.

The Goalkeepers’ Role

Vutsov and Zawieschitzky can influence where Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg is played.

The goalkeepers can influence Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg through distribution, because one accurate pass can remove the first press.

For Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, the tactical effect depends on which side recognises the available space before the opponent can reset.

The Away-Form Question

The Blues will look to maintain their defensive solidity in Europe despite playing at the Vasil Levski National Stadium because their own ground does not meet UEFA regulations, and they have good reason for optimism, having kept a clean sheet in seven of their last eight European matches as hosts.

The Second-Ball Battle

Direct play will appear at some point.

The second phase of direct play could shape Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, because the team reacting quickest can turn one duel into sustained pressure.

The midfielders underneath it decide whether the next phase belongs to Levski Sofia or Red Bull Salzburg.

Team News

Salzburg also arrive in brilliant form, with Danny Rohl 's side unbeaten through their first 12 competitive matches this season, winning nine and drawing three.

Their last five matches have produced four victories and one draw.

Levski will remain without Akram Bouras, who is carrying a muscle issue, while Oliver Kamdem and Radoslav Kirilov are both recovering from knee injuries.

Velazquez has generally favoured a 4-2-3-1 system, with Armstrong Oko-Flex and Everton Bala likely to flank Reinaldo, who has scored six goals this season, in attack.

Svetoslav Vutsov should be in goal behind a back four containing Alex Centelles, Kristian Dimitrov, Nikola Serafimov and Aldair Neves.

Salzburg have several players unavailable, with Christian Fruchtl recovering from a foot injury, while Johannes Moser, Justin Omoregie, Gaoussou Diakite and Soumaila Diabate are also sidelined.

Possible Starting Lineups

Their Europa League qualification campaign was particularly impressive, with the Red Bulls winning three and drawing one of four matches across two qualifying rounds, first beating Pafos 1-0 at home before drawing 3-3 away.

They defeated Mjallby 4-0 on aggregate to comfortably secure their place in the league phase.

Levski Sofia possible XI: Vutsov; Neves, Dimitrov, Serafimov, Centelles; Serginho, Moubarik; Oko-Flex, Mitkov, Bala; Reinaldo.

Red Bull Salzburg possible XI: Zawieschitzky; Schmid, Zabransky, Boma, Veratschnig; Mazurek, Barry; Baidoo, Kitano, Vertessen; Tabakovic.

Reinaldo as Levski’s Reference Point

However, despite their strong form, they are third in the Austrian top flight with four wins and two draws from six matches, just one point behind league leaders LASK.

Their latest game against Reid ending in a 1-1 draw.

Rest Defence and Transition Risk

In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, that principle is specific to the way Levski Sofia and Red Bull Salzburg are likely to occupy the next phase.

In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, one poor position behind the ball can turn a promising attack into a dangerous counter.

Tabakovic and Salzburg’s Support Line

The visitors' main concern is their record on the road once the main phase of this competition begins.

Salzburg losing each of their last nine Europa League main-draw away matches, a streak Rohl will be hoping their current confidence can finally bring to an end.

Why the Wide Areas Matter

Width should matter in Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, especially when one runner holds the touchline and another attacks the inside lane.

That detail has a different meaning in Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, where the likely personnel create a distinct balance between control and transition risk.

Recent Form in Context

There is very little separating the clubs historically, although the visitors have the perfect record from their two previous meetings, winning 1-0 in Austria before repeating the same scoreline in Sofia when the teams met in the 2009-10 Europa League group stage.

For Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, the value of that detail is in what it changes tactically. In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, momentum matters because it can make players trust difficult passes and aggressive runs for longer.

How Levski Sofia Can Establish Control

Levski Sofia need their first phase to move Red Bull Salzburg before they try to play through them.

If Serginho, Moubarik, Oko-Flex receive facing forward, the hosts can attack with better spacing and keep Mitkov, Bala, Reinaldo closer to goal.

The First Goal Changes the Game

The opening goal would change the risk in Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg.

Set Pieces Offer a Separate Route

Set plays give Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg another route to a clear chance if open play becomes crowded around the box.

The Bench Could Change the Match

Late changes in Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg should solve a specific problem, whether that means more pace, better control or a stronger outlet.

Fresh pace can stretch tired defenders.

An extra midfielder can restore control.

What Mitkov, Bala, Reinaldo Need to Give Levski Sofia

Mitkov, Bala, Reinaldo need different movements.

One player should threaten depth.

Another should show to feet.

A third can attack the weak side.

What Kitano, Vertessen, Tabakovic Need to Give Red Bull Salzburg

Kitano, Vertessen, Tabakovic may get fewer sustained attacks.

Every touch therefore matters.

The Emotional Layer

Recent results shape confidence.

The Final 15 Minutes

If Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg is still close late on, the spaces will grow.

Why Schmid, Zabransky, Boma, Veratschnig Cannot Defend Too Deep

Red Bull Salzburg may spend long periods without possession, but dropping too close to Zawieschitzky carries its own risk.

It invites Levski Sofia to attack around the box and gives midfielders time to pick the next pass.

The Role of Serginho, Moubarik, Oko-Flex in Controlling Tempo

Serginho, Moubarik, Oko-Flex should decide how quickly Levski Sofia play.

Not every attack needs to be vertical.

The Role of Mazurek, Barry, Baidoo in Giving Red Bull Salzburg Relief

Mazurek, Barry, Baidoo need to give Red Bull Salzburg a way out after defensive spells.

Without that control, Red Bull Salzburg risk spending too much time defending and too little time asking questions of the home back line.

The Box Occupation Question for Levski Sofia

Levski Sofia should avoid sending every attacker towards the same zone.

That movement also creates space for cut-backs.

The Counter-Attacking Route for Red Bull Salzburg

Red Bull Salzburg's most dangerous moments may come when Levski Sofia commit numbers forward.

If Kitano, Vertessen, Tabakovic can combine rather than attack alone, the visitors can turn defensive work into genuine threat.

Why the Match Could Change After Half-Time

The first half of Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg may be more cautious than the second.

The Decision-Making Test in Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg

The decisive moments may be simple ones.

A midfielder must know when to turn.

How Vutsov Can Help Levski Sofia Defend Higher

Vutsov's starting position can support a more aggressive defensive line.

If the goalkeeper is ready to sweep behind the centre-backs, Levski Sofia can squeeze the pitch and reduce the space available to Red Bull Salzburg.

That makes the counter-press easier.

How Zawieschitzky Can Give Red Bull Salzburg Breathing Space

Zawieschitzky may face pressure on restarts and after back-passes.

A forced short pass can create danger.

The Importance of Fouls and Restarts

Small stoppages can influence the rhythm of Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg.

Recent results give Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg an emotional edge, but the more useful question is how confidence affects decisions under pressure.

How Levski Sofia Can Progress Through the First Line

Levski Sofia need patience when the first passing lane is blocked.

If the hosts can draw Red Bull Salzburg out of shape, the next pass becomes more valuable.

It also keeps Mitkov, Bala, Reinaldo higher, where their movement can threaten the back line instead of asking them to receive under pressure in midfield.

The Game-State Test for Red Bull Salzburg

Red Bull Salzburg also need flexibility. In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, a level score may allow the visitors to stay compact and wait for mistakes In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, that detail carries its own tactical weight.

In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, a deficit would demand more ambition from the full-backs and midfield In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, that detail carries its own tactical weight. In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, a lead would create a different problem: deciding whether to defend deeper or continue threatening the spaces behind Levski Sofia.

In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, managing those shifts well can be as important as the starting tactical plan In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, that detail carries its own tactical weight.

Where the Match Could Swing Late On

The final phase of Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg should be shaped by fatigue and substitutions. In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, fresh attackers can isolate tired defenders, but fresh midfielders can be just as important because they restore passing quality and defensive coverage In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, that detail carries its own tactical weight.

In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, the manager who identifies the real problem first will have the better chance of changing the game In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, that detail carries its own tactical weight. In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, late matches are often won by clarity rather than by simply adding more forwards In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, that detail carries its own tactical weight.

How Reinaldo Can Change the Shape of Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg

Reinaldo gives Levski Sofia a clear reference point in the final third. In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, the important part is not only where the striker receives the ball, but what happens around that movement In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, that detail carries its own tactical weight.

If Reinaldo drops short, Bala or another runner has to attack the space behind. In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, if the forward stays high, the midfield can use that position to pin the centre-backs and create room between the lines In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, that detail carries its own tactical weight.

That relationship can decide whether Levski Sofia turn possession into chances or simply circulate around the outside.

What Tabakovic Must Give Red Bull Salzburg

Red Bull Salzburg need Tabakovic to make difficult possessions useful. In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, a forward who can secure the first pass after a regain changes the entire transition In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, that detail carries its own tactical weight.

It allows Vertessen and the midfield to move closer, gives the defence time to step out, and prevents Levski Sofia from immediately starting another attack. The visitors do not need constant possession.

In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, they need enough controlled moments to stop the match becoming one-way traffic In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, that detail carries its own tactical weight.

The Importance of Vutsov and Zawieschitzky Under Pressure

Vutsov and Zawieschitzky may face very different situations, but both will be tested by the first pass. In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, a goalkeeper who recognises pressure early can choose the safer route before the trap closes.

Playing short is valuable when the angles are clear In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, that detail carries its own tactical weight. Going longer is sensible when the first line is locked In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, that detail carries its own tactical weight.

In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, good decision-making here can save a team from defending its own mistake In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, that detail carries its own tactical weight.

Prediction and Betting View

• Full-time result: Draw
• Double chance: Levski Sofia or Draw
• Both teams to score: Yes
• Goals: Under 2.5 goals
• Correct score: Levski Sofia 1-1 Red Bull Salzburg

Final Verdict

Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg should reward the side that manages the spaces between attacks more intelligently. In Levski Sofia vs Red Bull Salzburg, that principle is specific to the way Levski Sofia and Red Bull Salzburg are likely to occupy the next phase.

Goal.mu’s final call is Levski Sofia 1-1 Red Bull Salzburg.