Universitatea Craiova vs Levski Sofia: Previa del partido

Levski Sofia hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg and that narrow margin keeps the tie open heading into the return at Craiova. The Bulgarian side won the opener 1-0 on July 22 and then followed up with a 4-0 win over Borac Banja Luka before beating Dunav Ruse 2-1. Universitatea Craiova responded in their domestic league with a 5-1 victory against Dinamo București on July 25, yet they still need to overturn the deficit.

Both squads carry injury concerns into the match. Craiova miss goalkeeper Pavlo Isenko with a long-term meniscus issue, while Alexandru Iamandache and Assad Al-Hamlawi are also sidelined. Levski Sofia are without Stipe Vulikic, Mustapha Sangaré, Asen Mitkov and Radoslav Kirilov. The absences force adjustments in both defenses and attacks.

Possible lineups show Craiova in a 3-4-3 shape with Popescu in goal, Romanchuk, Rus and Screciu across the back, and Baiaram among the forwards. Levski Sofia look set for a 4-4-2 with Vutsov starting and Reinaldo plus Oko-Flex in the front line. Stefan Baiaram and Nicușor Bancu remain the most watched players for the home side, while Reinaldo and Oko-Flex carry the threat for Levski.

The second leg sits in the Champions League second qualifying round and Levski know a single clean sheet could be enough. Craiova have the home crowd and recent scoring form, but the 1-0 first-leg result means they must find goals without leaving gaps at the back.