Levski are reliable at home, while Salzburg are still unbeaten: Levski vs Red Bull Salzburg prediction
The first-round match of the Europa League league phase between Levski and Red Bull Salzburg will take place on September 17 at the Vasil Levski National Stadium. The Bulgarian club are returning to the main stage of European competition for the first time in 15 years, while the visitors head into the clash without a single defeat this season.
Levski: solid defense and a strong start to the league season
Julio Velázquez’s side failed to reach the Champions League league phase, losing to Greek club AEK in the playoff round by an aggregate score of 0-4. Levski will now continue their European campaign in the Europa League, where they will look to capitalize on their strong current form.
In the Bulgarian league, the team have won eight of their opening nine matches, scoring 21 goals and conceding just four. In addition, Levski have kept clean sheets in seven of their last eight home matches in European competition.
Red Bull Salzburg: unbeaten in 12 matches
Danny Röhl’s side have played 12 competitive matches this season and are yet to lose, recording nine wins and three draws. In the Europa League qualifiers, the Austrians eliminated Pafos and Mjällby before extending their successful run on the domestic scene.
However, Salzburg have a serious away problem in the main stages of the Europa League — the team have lost their last nine away matches in the competition. That makes the trip to Sofia far less straightforward, despite the visitors’ overall advantage in quality.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Levski have kept clean sheets in seven of their last eight home matches in European competition.
- Red Bull Salzburg have not lost any of their 12 competitive matches this season.
- The Austrian club won both of their previous meetings with Levski by a score of 1-0.
The hosts’ resilience could stop the favorites: Levski vs Red Bull Salzburg prediction
Salzburg should enjoy more possession and create pressure more frequently, but their away record in the Europa League league phase raises questions. Levski, meanwhile, are highly organized defensively and rarely allow opponents to create many chances in and around their box.
The hosts have every chance of keeping the game balanced and drawing strength from the support in the stands. In such a scenario, a draw with few goals looks like the most logical outcome.
