Levski Sofia vs Universitatea Craiova

Kristian Dimitrov's eighth-minute header, the only goal of the game, gave Levski Sofia a slender 1–0 first-leg advantage over Universitatea Craiova in their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie at Georgi Asparuhov Stadium. The Bulgarian side controlled the early stages but needed a resolute defensive display to hold off a second-half revival from the Romanian visitors.

Levski started with clear intent. In the 8th minute, left-back Aldair swung in a cross from the left flank that caught the Craiova defence static. Captain Kristian Dimitrov rose highest in the centre of the box to power a header past goalkeeper Laurențiu Popescu and into the bottom corner. It was Dimitrov's first goal of the European campaign and the earliest strike Levski have scored in Champions League qualifying this season.

Craiova struggled to find rhythm in the opening half-hour. Their first real chance came through Alexandru Cicâldău, whose curling effort from 20 yards drifted just wide of the post. The Romanian side's frustration showed in the booking of defender Oleksandr Romanchuk (34') for a foul on Armstrong Oko-Flex. A flashpoint just before half-time saw both Aldair and Ștefan Baiaram booked after a scuffle (41'), and the score remained 1–0 at the break.

Levski made an early change at half-time, introducing Gasper Trdin for Mehdi El Moubarik. Everton Bala picked up a yellow card for a foul on the hour mark (50'), and the home side began to sit deeper as Craiova pushed forward. Filipe Coelho's substitutions — Steven Nsimba for Simon Elisor (62'), then Tudor Băluță and Heriberto Tavares for Anzor Mekvabishvili and Baiaram (75') — shifted the visitors to a more attacking shape.

Craiova's best spell came between the 65th and 80th minutes. Nsimba forced a sharp save from Stanislav Vutsov with a low drive, and substitute Samuel Teles (on for Monday Etim, 80') saw a header deflect narrowly over the crossbar. Levski manager Julio Velázquez responded by introducing David Kusso (79'), Álex Centelles (64') and later Mazire Soula and Stivan Stoyanchov (both 89') to shore up the midfield. Maicon collected a late yellow card in stoppage time (90'+1) for a tactical foul as Craiova pressed for an equaliser that never came.

Dimitrov's eighth-minute header. Scoring so early allowed Levski to sit in a compact 4–4–2 block and counter at pace, a strategy they executed increasingly effectively as the half wore on. Craiova's high defensive line — a feature of their 3–4–3 setup — was already vulnerable to crosses, and Aldair's delivery exposed it inside the first ten minutes. Craiova never recovered the opening they had conceded, and chasing the game from the eighth minute forced them into a frantic energy expenditure that may cost them in the second leg.

Kristian Dimitrov (Levski Sofia) — The captain's goal and defensive leadership were the difference. He won four aerial duels, made three clearances, and marshalled a back line that kept Craiova's front three quiet for long stretches. Man of the match.

Serginho (Levski Sofia) — The Brazilian midfielder pulled the strings in the first half, completing 89% of his passes and providing the assist for the goal. His ability to retain possession under pressure was critical to Levski's game management.

Laurențiu Popescu (Universitatea Craiova) — Kept the scoreline at 1–0 with several smart interventions, particularly a low save from Everton Bala in the 28th minute and a reflex stop from Reinaldo in the 55th. Could do nothing about the goal.

Steven Nsimba (Universitatea Craiova) — Introduced on 62 minutes, the winger gave Levski's left side problems with his direct running. His shot on 68 minutes that drew a save from Vutsov was Craiova's best chance of the match.

Possession was evenly split at 52–48 in Craiova's favour, but Levski's 1.08 xG (provider estimate) to Craiova's 0.67 tells the story of the quality of chances. Both teams managed four shots on target, but Levski's came from higher-danger areas — the goal itself was a 0.32 xG chance from inside the six-yard box. Craiova's xG was spread across speculative efforts from distance (Cicâldău, Bancu) and the Nsimba chance, none of which exceeded 0.15 xG. The five yellow cards (three for Craiova, two for Levski) reflect a combative, stop-start contest that suited the home side's game management.

Levski take a 1–0 lead into the second leg at the Ion Oblemenco Stadium in Craiova on 29 July 2026. The Bulgarian side have now kept three clean sheets in four Champions League qualifying matches this season (1–1 vs Borac Banja Luka, 4–0 vs Borac Banja Luka, 1–0 vs Craiova). For Universitatea Craiova, the task is straightforward: win by two goals to advance, or win by one to force extra time. The Romanian side have scored in every competitive match this season and will be confident on home soil.

A professional, disciplined performance from Levski Sofia — exactly the type of first-leg showing that keeps a tie alive without taking unnecessary risks. Craiova will rue their slow start but have the quality to overturn the deficit in front of their own fans. The tie is finely balanced, with the second leg likely to be more open than the first.