Tickets for Universitatea Craiova vs Levski Sofia in Champions League qualifying at Ion Oblemenco Stadium

Universitatea Craiova - Levski Sofia: the return leg for the next step toward the main phase

Universitatea Craiova and Levski Sofia meet on July 29 at 20:30 at the Ion Oblemenco Stadium in Craiova, in the return leg of the second qualifying round of the Champions League. They are not playing only for victory on a single evening, but for progression to the next round and the continuation of the journey toward the main phase of the competition.

The guide was prepared before the first match in Sofia, scheduled for July 22. Therefore, it is not yet known whether Craiova will defend a lead in the return leg, chase a deficit, or start from a completely level position. The result of the first meeting will determine how much the home side must risk and whether Levski can wait for space to launch counterattacks.

The tie brings together the current champions of Romania and Bulgaria. Universitatea Craiova finished the previous season by winning the league and the cup, and then also won the Super Cup. Levski likewise began the season as the defending national champion. Both teams are accustomed to the pressure of results.

Tickets for this match are in demand among supporters, and arrival at the stadium should not be left until the last moment.

What is at stake

The winner of the two-legged tie advances to the third qualifying round and remains in the race for the Champions League. For both clubs, this means another European step, additional matches, and an opportunity to turn the season into a long continental campaign from its very beginning.

For Craiova, the home return leg carries particular importance. The club must show that it can transfer its domestic double crown to a higher level. Coach Filipe Coelho called Levski the strongest opponent his team had faced at the start of the season. The home side therefore does not expect a one-sided evening, even with the support of full stands.

Levski arrives as the Bulgarian champion and as a team that has already shown it can change the rhythm of a two-legged tie. After a 1-1 away draw against Borac Banja Luka, Julio Velázquez's side won 4-0 at home. That result serves as a warning that the visitors can quickly punish any lapse in concentration.

Universitatea Craiova's form

Craiova opened the season with a sequence of results that boost confidence. Against ML Vitebsk, it won 4-1 away and 1-0 at home. In the Super Cup, it defeated U Cluj after a penalty shootout, and it opened the league season with a 4-0 victory over UTA Arad.

• ML Vitebsk - Universitatea Craiova 1-4
• Universitatea Craiova - U Cluj 6-4 after a penalty shootout
• Universitatea Craiova - ML Vitebsk 1-0
• Universitatea Craiova - UTA Arad 4-0

The run shows that the team can win through open play, in a controlled match, and in a game that goes to penalties. Samuel Teles, Ștefan Baiaram, and Simon Elisor scored against UTA, while captain Nicușor Bancu decided the home meeting against ML Vitebsk.

Coelho used a system with three central defenders and active wide players. Craiova therefore stretches the pitch in possession, while without the ball it can close the last line with five players. The risk arises when both flanks move high at the same time, because space is then left behind them for Levski's fast attackers.

Key players for the home side

Nicușor Bancu brings experience, captain's authority, and quality on the left side. His goal against ML Vitebsk showed that he is not merely a defensive option.

Ștefan Baiaram can accelerate the attack through dribbling and movement between the lines. He scored against UTA after coming off the bench, so Coelho can choose between starting him and using him in the closing stages.

Alexandru Cicâldău is important for organizing play in midfield. His ability to receive the ball under pressure and switch play can open a route toward the flanks.

Samuel Teles opened the scoring against UTA with a shot from outside the penalty area. Such a threat can draw Levski out of a deeper block.

Striker Assad Al Hamlawi was injured in training and was not included in Craiova's squad for the first match in Sofia. His status for the return leg should be checked after the first meeting. The alternatives are Steven Nsimba, Simon Elisor, and Etim Monday.

Levski: speed, width, and dangerous set pieces

Levski opened the season with a 1-1 draw away to Borac, then won the return leg 4-0, and defeated Dunav Ruse 2-1 in the first round of the Bulgarian league. It remained unbeaten in its first three competitive matches.

According to the match sheet from the first meeting against Borac, Levski played with four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards. Gašper Trdin and Akram Bouras provided stability, while Everton Bala, Reinaldo, and David Kusi offered width. Armstrong Oko-Flex came on at half-time and scored for 1-1.

Everton Bala was Levski's leading scorer in the previous season. He can play wide, move inside, and take penalties.

Serginho is particularly dangerous from free kicks and other set pieces. In a level two-legged tie, one quality delivery can change the entire match plan.

Armstrong Oko-Flex brings speed and directness. If Levski is defending an aggregate lead, he could attack the space behind Craiova's high defensive line.

Ahead of the first match, Levski had two fitness concerns. Oliver Kamdem was feeling the effects of an old knee injury, while Juan Perea finished the previous match with a minor injury. Their availability for the return leg will depend on their recovery and playing time in Sofia.

Tactical details that could decide the tie

The most important question will not be who has more possession, but who manages the space better after losing the ball. In front of its own supporters, Craiova will aim to apply pressure, but Levski has fast attackers and quality substitutes.

• Space behind the flanks: if Bancu and the right-sided wide player move high at the same time, Levski will look for diagonal passes toward the wings.
• Second ball: the midfield that wins the loose balls will be able to sustain pressure for longer.
• Set pieces: Craiova must avoid unnecessary fouls around the penalty area.
• Impact of the bench: Baiaram and Elisor scored as substitutes against UTA, while Oko-Flex did so after coming on against Borac.
• Start of the match: the home side will want to lift the stadium with early pressure, but it must not lose its defensive balance.

If the first match ends without a significant difference, the return leg could remain tactically closed for a long time. If Craiova is chasing a deficit, the earlier introduction of an additional striker and more crosses can be expected. If it is defending a lead, Coelho can drop the wide players deeper and leave Baiaram or Nsimba available for transitions.

Ion Oblemenco and the atmosphere of the return leg

Ion Oblemenco is a modern arena with approximately 31,000 seats, completed in 2017. The enclosed shape of the stands and the covered spectator areas keep the noise inside the stadium, especially when the home side links together several attacks or wins a series of corners.

For supporters visiting for the first time, it is important to check the entrance and sector shown on the ticket. Club rules state that entry is permitted only through the gate indicated on the ticket and that spectators must occupy the specified row and seat. The opening time of the gates for this match had not been announced when the guide was prepared, so it is reasonable to arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off and check the instructions again on the day of the match.

Seats in the stands disappear quickly, and arriving earlier reduces the risk of congestion at the security checks.

Practical arrival information

• Address: Ion Oblemenco Stadium, Bulevardul Ilie Balaci 8, Craiova.
• Public transport: RAT Craiova has a stop called "Stadion" near the arena and the Sala Polivalentă sports hall.
• Arrival from the railway station: the E1R line connects the area of the main railway station with the "Stadion" stop; check the timetable immediately before travelling.
• Car: do not rely on finding quick parking next to the arena. Traffic restrictions are possible for major matches, so it is safer to park farther away and complete the final part of the journey on foot or by public transport.
• Entry: prepare your ticket before the security check and use only the gate specified for your sector.

Club rules prohibit bringing pyrotechnics, alcohol, bottles and cans, sharp objects, lighters, and umbrellas into the stadium. Visitors should also check the rules concerning flags, banners, and flagpoles.

Craiova for travelling supporters

Craiova is a large city in southwestern Romania. The stadium is relatively close to the central parts of the city, so a matchday visit does not necessarily require a car. It is practical to choose accommodation in the centre or along a public transport route leading toward the stadium, because increased demand for taxis and congestion on the main roads can be expected after the match.

The Sala Polivalentă is located near the stadium, making the sports complex easy to recognize. July temperatures can remain high even in the evening. Water should be consumed before entering because club rules do not allow bottles to be brought inside.

Universitatea Craiova has a strong white-and-blue identity in the stands, while Levski is followed by a large and vocal supporter base. The result from Sofia will determine the tone: a lead for the home side would produce a more patient start, a deficit would increase the noise and nervousness, while a level score would create an evening in which every mistake and every set piece feels more significant.

It is worth securing tickets in good time and arriving at the stadium early enough to avoid congestion around the sectors.

What to check after the first match

• the aggregate score of the tie and whether either team needs a victory within 90 minutes;
• any suspensions resulting from cards received in the first match;
• the status of Assad Al Hamlawi, Oliver Kamdem, and Juan Perea;
• the final gate-opening time and possible traffic restrictions;
• any special public transport services.

The return leg has all the elements of a tense qualifying evening: two current champions, a home side in a strong run of results, a visiting team that won 4-0 in the previous round, and a stadium with approximately 31,000 seats. Craiova will try to impose width, possession, and pressure from the stands, while Levski will look for opportunities to launch fast transitions and exploit set pieces.

Sources:
- Universitatea Craiova - results, line-ups, scorers, coach, stadium information, and entry rules
- Levski.bg - results, squad, statements by Julio Velázquez and Everton Bala, and the players' fitness status before the first match
- AGERPRES - Filipe Coelho's statement, Assad Al Hamlawi's status, and confirmation of the return-leg date and time
- RAT Craiova - the "Stadion" stop and the E1R city line