Levski – Braga

A significantly cooler team will take the victory to Portugal.

Bulgarian Levski returns to European competitions after a year-long break. Last season, the capital team restored its status and climbed to a final second position compared to the previous championship draw. However, Levski was unable to contest the perennial national champion Ludogorets finishing eleven points behind. The second club in Bulgaria in terms of trophies has been exceedingly poor on the European stage. Eight out of nine of the team's attempts in continental competitions over the last fourteen years have ended after one or two qualifying rounds. They were also unable to reach the group stage of the European tournament on their ninth attempt. Currently, the estimated value of the Levski squad is around 20 million euros. Braga is one of the strongest representatives of the second qualifying round of the Europa League. Almost every season, football fans see this team in the playoffs of European tournaments. On the national stage last season, Braga almost traditionally finished fourth behind the trio of historic leaders of the Portuguese championship: Sporting, Porto, and Benfica. The estimated value of Braga's squad is 8.5 times higher than that of their opponent - 169 million euros. Bookmakers have made the guests the favourites for the upcoming match, offering odds of 1.55 for their victory. In the new season, Levski has already played three official matches. In the first qualifying round of the Europa League, the Bulgarian club faced Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Both matches ended in draws with a score of 0-0, despite the fact that the second leg was held at a neutral venue. It was on Cyprus where the main events of the confrontation took place during extra time, when the opponents exchanged goals, and Levski proved their right to advance further in the penalty shootout. On Sunday, the Bulgarian club dealt with Montana without much trouble, winning 5-0. Braga prepared for the new season by participating in friendly matches. Following five such games, the Portuguese club achieved five victories. The guests aim to progress to the main round of the Europa League, so in their first official match of the season, they will be putting forth their maximum effort. Braga will win the match.