Can NEC Nijmegen End Their Winless Run? NEC Nijmegen vs Levski Sofia Prediction | October 15, 2026
NEC Nijmegen host Levski Sofia on October 15 in the second round of the Europa League league phase. Both teams lost their opening matches and will be looking for their first points in the competition. NEC are struggling for consistency and have gone six matches without a win, while Levski arrive after a domestic victory that ended their own winless run.
NEC Nijmegen
NEC Nijmegen were one of the surprises of last season in the Netherlands, finishing third in the Eredivisie and earning a chance to qualify for the Champions League. However, they failed to progress through the decisive qualifying round and moved into the Europa League instead.
Their league-phase campaign began with a heavy 5–0 defeat to Juventus, and results have remained inconsistent since their European qualifying exit. NEC are winless in their last six competitive matches, recording three draws and three defeats. They have managed just one victory in their last nine games.
Their domestic form has also fallen short of last season's standards. NEC sit 11th in the Eredivisie, although a 1–1 draw against Ajax in their latest match provided a positive result against a strong opponent.
Defensive issues remain a major concern. NEC have conceded in 12 consecutive matches, while eight of their last 10 games have featured at least three goals. Playing at home offers an opportunity to respond to the Juventus defeat, but they will need to improve defensively to turn their attacking efforts into a positive result.
- Nijmegen Possible lineup: Crettaz, Bras, Fonville, Storm, Kers, Nejasmic, Lebreton, Bischoff, Chery, Tadic, Linssen.
Levski Sofia
Levski Sofia arrive in the Netherlands in better spirits after recording a 2–0 away win in the Bulgarian league, ending a three-match winless run. Before that victory, they had lost the Bulgarian Super Cup to CSKA Sofia, dropped points in the league and suffered a 1–0 home defeat to Salzburg in their Europa League opener.
Despite their European setback, Levski have performed well domestically. They won the Bulgarian title last season ahead of Ludogorets and currently lead the league by one point, with a game in hand. Their defensive record has been particularly impressive, with just four goals conceded in the domestic competition.
Levski reached the Champions League qualifying rounds by eliminating Kairat but failed to get past AEK, sending them into the Europa League.
The visitors can take confidence from their domestic form and defensive organisation. However, NEC's tendency to concede goals could offer Levski opportunities to claim their first points in the competition.
- Levski Sofia Possible lineup: Vutsov, Neves, Dimitrov, Makoun, Maicon, Moubarik, Trdin, Bala, Serginho, Centelles, Reinaldo.
Head-to-Head
NEC Nijmegen and Levski Sofia have never met in an official match, making this their first encounter.
Key Trends
- NEC Nijmegen are winless in their last 6 competitive matches.
- NEC have conceded in 12 consecutive matches.
- 8 of NEC's last 10 matches scored at least three goals.
- Both teams scored in 5 of NEC's last 7 matches.
- Levski Sofia have failed to win in 3 of their last 4 matches.
- Both teams lost their Europa League openers without scoring.
Prediction
NEC Nijmegen will be keen to respond after their 5–0 defeat to Juventus, and home advantage could help them approach this match with greater confidence. However, their six-match winless run and 12 consecutive games without a clean sheet highlight the defensive problems. Levski Sofia have shown greater consistency in their domestic competition and have conceded very few goals in the Bulgarian league. Their win in the latest round should also provide a confidence boost, although their inability to score against Salzburg remains a concern. Both teams need a result after losing their opening Europa League fixtures. NEC's defensive record gives Levski a potential route to goal, while the hosts will look to make the most of their home advantage. If NEC's recent attacking and defensive trends continue, both sides could have opportunities to score. Recommended Bet: Both Teams to Score — Yes
