Braga vs. Levski Sofia Tips and Odds – 31/07/2025

• Fixture: Braga vs Levski Sofia, UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round, Second Leg
• Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
• Venue: Estádio Municipal de Braga, Braga, Portugal

The Estádio Municipal de Braga will set the stage for Thursday night’s decisive Europa League qualifier between Portuguese powerhouses Braga and Bulgarian hopefuls Levski Sofia. With a goalless stalemate (0-0) in Sofia last week, everything hangs in the balance as Braga look to capitalize on home advantage and their greater European pedigree. The aggregate winner will progress to face either Lugano or Celje, while the loser drops into the Conference League.

Braga’s return to competitive action in Bulgaria was a frustrating one, unable to find a breakthrough despite dominating possession and creating several chances. It was their first official game since the end of the Portuguese Primeira Liga season, and a slight lack of sharpness showed. However, their squad is largely intact from the team that pushed Porto closely for second place last season, and expectations are high for the Archbishops to go deep into Europe once more. Carlos Vicens remains at the helm after the summer departure of Carlos Carvalhal, and he’ll be hoping the team’s flair in attack will shine through back home.

Levski Sofia, meanwhile, have already overcome adversity to reach this stage — ousting Hapoel Be’er Sheva in penalties before holding Braga to a 0-0 draw. Domestically, they come into this match on a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions (three draws) and demonstrated resilience by coming from behind to defeat Septemvri Sofia 2-1 in their league encounter at the weekend. While Levski haven’t advanced beyond this stage in the Europa League since the 2010–11 season, their dogged defensive display in the first leg will give them hope for a famous night in Portugal.

On the team news front, both clubs come into the second leg with strong squads. Braga will miss winger Bruma, who is suspended following accumulations from last season’s campaign, while Levski have no major fresh injury or disciplinary concerns reported. Braga’s recent European home form has seen four of their last five matches decided by only a single-goal margin, suggesting a hard-fought encounter lies ahead.

Key Players to Watch

• Braga: Abel Ruiz (striker) brings goalscoring touch and movement; Álvaro Djaló offers creativity from midfield; goalkeeper Matheus is a reliable last line.
• Levski Sofia: Forward Mustapha Sangaré has match-winning potential (winner last time out in the league), while playmaker Radoslav Kirilov can unlock defences from the bench. Goalkeeper Plamen Andreev’s shot-stopping could be crucial.

Prediction

While Levski Sofia are a well-organized unit and have proved tricky opponents, Braga’s superior quality, depth and home advantage are likely to tip the balance. Expect the Portuguese side to control possession and eventually find the breakthrough. Prediction: Braga 2-0 Levski Sofia.

Betting Markets

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This decisive second leg promises plenty of drama, with Braga aiming to lay down an early European marker and Levski fighting for a continental upset.