
Braga head to Bulgaria for a first-leg clash against Levski Sofia in the second round of the UEFA Europa League qualifiers. The hosts will be counting on home form, but face a Portuguese side who have vast experience in European football.
Levski Sofia come into this clash flying high after opening their 2025-26 Bulgarian First League campaign with a dominant 5–0 win over Montana last weekend. Julio Velasquez's men have been in good form lately and are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
While Levski Sofia have much to be pleased about lately, their progress to the second round of the competition was not particularly smooth, suggesting tougher hurdles the further they go. They needed penalties to overcome Hapoel Beer Sheva after playing out a 1-1 draw on aggregate after extra time.
Braga may still be in pre-season mode ahead of the new Primeira Liga campaign, but they are showing no signs of rust. Carlos Vincens' team have won their last five matches, claiming a 3-1 victory over Celta Vigo in their last friendly outing.
The showing in preseason is an extension of Braga’s form towards the end of last season as they are unbeaten in 14 of their last 15 matches in all competitions. They are also unbeaten in six of their last seven away matches in all competitions, stretching back to last season.
How the bookies view it: Braga overwhelming favourites
Braga have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 8/13 by BoyleSports to claim the win. Levski Sofia are considered outsiders at 15/4 while a draw is set at odds of 11/4.
Head to head: No previous meetings
Levski Sofia and Braga will be facing each other for the very first time in competitive action.
Players to watch: Horta to shine
Ricardo Horta often carries the attacking threat for Braga and has scored in two of the last three matches. With Fran Navarro also featuring up front, both men can combine to produce over 1.5 goals for the visitors (Braga over 1.5 goals – priced at 3/4 with BoyleSports).
Marin Petkov netted a brace for Levski Sofia in the win over Montana and will be the one to watch on Thursday. The forward has a good understanding with Mustapha Sangare, and both men can score over 0.5 goals – available at 6/10.
Probable line-ups:
Svetoslav Vutsov is expected to retain his spot between the sticks, while Aldair Neves could come in at right-back, replacing Oliver Kamdem in the team. Sangare is likely to lead the line once again, with support from Petkov, Radoslav Kirilov, and Everton Bala.
Lukas Hornicek is likely to start in goal, while Gustaf Lagerbielke should partner Paulo Oliveira in central defence. In attack, Rodrigo Salazar and Horta are set to operate just behind Spanish forward Fran Navarro, who is expected to lead the line for the Portuguese side.
Levski Sofia: Vutsov; Neves, Dmitrov, Trdin, Maicon; Ohene, Kostadinov; Bala, Kirilov, Petkov; Sangare
Braga: Hornicek; Oliveira, Lagerbielke, Arrey-Mbi; Gorby, Moutinho, Carvalho, Dorgeles; Salazar, Horta, Navarro
Anything else catch the eye?
Two of Braga's last three matches have produced over 2.5 goals – priced at 20/23 with BoyleSports, who are also offering odds of 23/10 for over 3.5 goals. Both teams have scored in six of the visitors’ last nine matches (BTTS YES – offered at 20/23 with BoyleSports).
The Portuguese side have led at the break in their last four matches (Braga first half win – valued at 5/4).