Levski Sofia - Salzburg

Levski Sofia and Salzburg meet at Vasil Levski on 17 September 2026 to kick off their Europa League group stage journey. Levski Sofia enters this match following a mixed run of domestic form, including a recent goalless draw against Botev Vratsa and a Super Cup defeat to CSKA Sofia. Their path to this stage involved a challenging Champions League qualification campaign, ending in an aggregate loss to AEK Athens. Meanwhile, Salzburg arrives with momentum, having navigated their own Europa League qualifying ties against Mjaellby and Pafos FC. Their domestic form remains strong, highlighted by a recent five-goal victory over Rapid Wien.

The two sides last crossed paths in the 2009 Europa League group stage, where Salzburg secured narrow victories in both meetings. As the expected XI takes shape, Levski Sofia will look to Svetoslav Vutsov and forward Armstrong Oko-Flex to set the tone, while Salzburg relies on the attacking threat of Haris Tabakovic and Yorbe Vertessen. With both teams eager to secure an early advantage in the group, this encounter serves as a pivotal opening test in their European aspirations.