Universitatea Craiova vs Levski Sofia

Craiova's early second-half momentum was real — Rus's goal in the 48th minute brought the 27,037 crowd to life and pushed Levski onto the back foot. But Velázquez reacted decisively, twice substituting at half-time (Cristian Makoun for the booked Serafimov, and Álex Centelles for Aldair) and then sending on Moussa Soula for Armstrong Oko-Flex in the 55th minute.

Levski regained control and hit the woodwork twice in the second half. The away side's willingness to absorb pressure without conceding a third goal proved decisive. Craiova's final push never materialised with the same conviction as their early second-half surge.

Everton Bala (Levski Sofia) — The Brazilian striker scored one (13') and assisted another (16'), single-handedly putting Levski in control inside the opening quarter-hour. His movement off the ball caused problems for the Craiova back three throughout.

Nicușor Bancu (Universitatea Craiova) — The captain's header just before half-time gave Craiova a lifeline when they needed it most. He was a constant outlet on the left flank.

Adrian Rus (Universitatea Craiova) — Scored the equaliser early in the second half with a powerful finish from open play, turning the game back into a contest. Booked late on for a tactical foul.

Player of the match: Everton Bala (Levski Sofia)

Levski's two goals from their first two shots on target reflect clinical finishing rather than sustained dominance. Craiova created the better chances over 90 minutes — roughly 58% possession and a higher xG — but the aggregate scoreline does not reward the underlying numbers. Levski's compact 4-4-2 block conceded possession willingly but stayed organised enough to limit clear sights of goal after the 48th minute.

Craiova's five yellow cards across both legs (three in the second leg, two in the first) hint at a side that chased the game and frequently fouled in transition.

Levski Sofia advance to the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, their first time at this stage since 2010. They will learn their next opponent in the coming days. For Craiova, the dream of reaching the group stage ends in the second qualifying round for the second consecutive season. The Romanian champions drop into the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round, where they will face Finnish side KuPS Kuopio.

For a betting perspective: Craiova's form across the two legs — unable to keep a clean sheet in either match and conceding inside the first 16 minutes in both games — highlights a pattern of slow starts that will be a concern as they switch to Europa League competition.

Levski Sofia were not the better side over 180 minutes, but they were the sharper one in the moments that mattered. Everton Bala's early burst in the second leg and Kristiyan Dimitrov's goal in the first proved the difference. Velázquez's side showed tactical discipline to absorb Craiova's recovery and will now enter the third qualifying round with genuine belief. Craiova will rue their slow starts in both legs — they conceded inside 13 minutes in Sofia and inside 16 minutes in Craiova — and must regroup quickly for the Europa League.