Match preview
On Thursday, September 17, 2026, the Europa League resumes with a fixture that promises an interesting clash of styles between Levski Sofia and Red Bull Salzburg. The Bulgarian club, a regular in European competitions, hosts on its home turf a formidable Austrian side, well-versed in continental campaigns and often cited among the serious outsiders in the tournament. For Levski Sofia, this match represents a golden opportunity to measure itself against a higher-calibre opponent in front of its fans, in an atmosphere that promises to be electric. Red Bull Salzburg, for its part, will look to impose its rhythm and technical quality to gain an edge in the qualification race. The stakes are twofold: building confidence and collecting precious points in a group where every detail counts. The Europa League, renowned for its surprises, offers here a duel between Austrian experience and Bulgarian fervour, two ingredients that promise a lively and, on paper, uncertain encounter.
Recent form
Reading the probabilities calculated by our artificial intelligence, Red Bull Salzburg enters this match with a clear advantage, with a 42.6% chance of winning, compared to 26.2% for Levski Sofia and 31.2% for a draw. This hierarchy reflects the overall momentum of both clubs: Red Bull Salzburg, buoyed by its status and its habit of playing in European competitions, seems to approach this away game with measured but real confidence. Levski Sofia, backed by its fans, nonetheless retains room for improvement and an ability to upset the odds, as shown by the significant percentage of victory chances granted to it. The draw, credited with 31.2%, underlines that this encounter could be tighter than the simple difference in reputation might suggest. The expected goals (xG) confirm this trend: 0.7 for Levski Sofia against 1.15 for Red Bull Salzburg, a moderate gap that hints at a match where both teams could find the back of the net, without an overwhelming domination being anticipated. The current form, without specific results to support it, therefore suggests a balanced duel but slightly favourable to the visitors.
Our AI prediction
The prediction retained by our artificial intelligence for this match between Levski Sofia and Red Bull Salzburg is the Over 1.5 goals market, with a confidence level of 55% and an associated odds of 1.36. This choice is based on several converging elements. First, the combined expected goals (xG) of both teams reach 1.85, which places the two-goal threshold in a very achievable zone. Then, the win probability of Red Bull Salzburg (42.6%) and that of the draw (31.2%) indicate a match where chances should not be lacking, especially since Levski Sofia, with a 26.2% chance of success, will be eager to show itself offensively in front of its fans. The Over 1.5 goals market, less demanding than Over 2.5, offers an interesting compromise between risk and return, with odds of 1.36 that remain moderate but consistent with the confidence granted. It should be remembered, however, that this prediction, like any sports bet, carries a degree of uncertainty, and caution remains advisable. The Europa League often delivers unexpected scenarios, and both Red Bull Salzburg and Levski Sofia could surprise.
Conclusion
In summary, this Europa League encounter between Levski Sofia and Red Bull Salzburg promises to be an interesting duel, where the Austrian club is slightly favoured according to our artificial intelligence probabilities, but where the Bulgarian club, driven by its fans, could cause an upset. The Over 1.5 goals prediction, with 55% confidence and odds of 1.36, is a reasonable option for sports betting enthusiasts, without however guaranteeing a result. We invite you to bet responsibly, committing only sums you can afford to lose, as sports betting always carries risks. This prediction was generated by our artificial intelligence, based on the available data and calculated probabilities, and cannot constitute a certainty. Whether you are a Levski Sofia supporter, a Red Bull Salzburg fan or a simple observer, this Europa League fixture deserves attention for its intensity and its stakes.