Everything is still to play for in the clash between Braga and Levski Sofia, valid for the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. After the goalless draw in the first leg in Bulgaria, the two teams will meet again on Thursday, July 31, at the Estádio Municipal de Braga to determine who advances to the third round. The 0-0 result from the first match leaves the tie wide open: both teams must aim for victory within the 90 minutes. In the event of another draw, extra time and potentially penalties will follow. Braga enters the match as the prediction favorite: their recent experience in European competitions and the advantage of playing in front of their home fans could be decisive. Any doubts regarding the physical condition of the Portuguese side, still in pre-season, were dispelled in the first leg, where they showed no signs of inferiority against Levski, who are already in full domestic competition mode. The Bulgarian club returns to the Europa League qualifiers after a six-year absence (their last participation saw them eliminated by AEK Larnaca) and hasn’t reached the group stage of a European tournament in over a decade. Although the home draw wasn’t a bad result, there’s a hint of regret for not making the most of their home advantage. Trying to impose their game at Braga’s stadium — where even Lazio lost a few months ago — will be far from easy for Velázquez’s men. Qualification is still within reach, but it will require a near-perfect match, along with courage and focus.

 

Braga's Recent Form and Key Stats

After finishing fourth in last season’s Liga Portugal, Braga began July with several friendly matches to prepare for the Europa League second-round double fixture. Following a successful preseason run, they kicked off their competitive campaign with a 0-0 draw away at Levski, once again showcasing their solid defense, having kept a clean sheet in four of their last six matches.

Braga is an extremely tough team to beat at home. In fact, they remain unbeaten at the Estádio Municipal in 2025, with 8 wins and 2 draws. Their last home defeat dates back to December 29, when they surprisingly lost 1-2 to Casa Pia in Liga Portugal. In the previous league campaign, Braga recorded 9 home wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses, averaging 1.94 goals scored and 1.12 conceded per match.

 

Levski Sofia's Recent Form and Key Stats

Levski Sofia has enjoyed a positive start to their 2025/26 season, juggling both the Europa League qualifiers and the early stages of the Parva Liga since July 10. Velazquez’s side is coping well: they’ve played five official matches, securing 2 wins and 3 draws, scoring 8 goals and conceding just 2. Their defense has been solid, keeping three clean sheets.

In the 18 away matches of the 2024/25 Parva Liga season, Levski registered 10 wins, 5 draws, and 3 defeats — a strong away form that significantly contributed to their second-place league finish. They are currently on a 9-game unbeaten run away from home, with 5 wins and 4 draws. In their two most recent away matches, they beat Hapoel Be'er Sheva on penalties in the first round of Europa League qualifiers and won the domestic derby 2-1 against Septemvri Sofia.

 

Braga vs Levski Sofia Prediction and Tactical Overview

The first leg, as the 0-0 result suggests, was a tightly contested affair, although Braga appeared slightly more dangerous, missing some good chances. According to the BetMines algorithm, Braga is expected to have the upper hand in the return leg, thanks to their greater international experience and home advantage.

Braga has become a regular presence in European competitions, having featured in the knockout stages of both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League in recent years. In last season’s UEL, they showed their strength at home by securing important wins over Lazio, Hoffenheim, and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

As for the goal market, the BetMines prediction for Braga vs Levski Sofia leans toward a low-scoring encounter: under 2.5 total goals. Although the hosts are favored, they are unlikely to start aggressively in order to avoid conceding a goal that could complicate their qualification hopes.

Coming into the match from a level scoreline, Levski Sofia will likely aim to resist Braga’s pressure as long as possible, knowing they must eventually create offensive chances to challenge Hornicek. The expectation is for a tight, tactical match, especially in the first half, with a single episode possibly tipping the balance in favor of the Portuguese side.

• Braga vs Levski Sofia BetMines Prediction: Braga to win (sign 1) – 51%
  
  
• Braga vs Levski Sofia BetMines Prediction: Under 2.5 goals – 58%

 

Probable Lineups Braga vs Levski Sofia

BRAGA (4-3-3): Hornicek; Lagerbielke, Carvalho, Oliveira, Arrey-Mbi; Moutinho, Gorby, Dorgeles; Zalazar, Navarro, Horta. Coach: Carlos Vicens

LEVSKI (4-2-3-1): Vutsov; Aldair, Dimitrov, Makoun, Santos; Trdin, Kostadinov; Rildo; Petkov, Sangaré, Kirilov. Coach: Julio Velazquez