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Levski Sofia vs Salzburg 0-1 Full Time Match Results and All Goals Highlights – UEFA Europa League 2026

By trendy news | September 17, 2026 | UEFA Europa League Matchday 1 | Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia

Red Bull Salzburg secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bulgarian champions Levski Sofia in the opening fixture of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League league phase. The decisive goal arrived in the 39th minute through striker Haris Tabakovic, who converted a close-range opportunity after excellent build-up play involving Bartosz Mazurek and Dominik Schmid. Despite dominating large periods of possession and creating several chances, Levski Sofia were unable to find an equaliser and left the Vasil Levski National Stadium empty-handed on a night of high intensity in Sofia.

The result gives Salzburg three points and an early boost in the new league-phase format, while Levski Sofia begin their return to the main stage of European competition after a 15-year absence with a narrow defeat. The match was characterised by disciplined defending from the Austrian side, clinical finishing when it mattered, and a frustrated home attack that recorded zero shots on target despite attempting more efforts overall.

Levski Sofia 0 – 1 Red Bull Salzburg
Full Time | HT 0-1 | Goal: H. Tabakovic 39'

Match Overview and Key Moments

Played in front of a passionate crowd of approximately 22,000 to 25,000 supporters at the historic Vasil Levski National Stadium, the contest lived up to expectations as a physical and tactical battle. Levski Sofia, under Spanish coach Julio Velázquez, started brightly and controlled large stretches of the first half. The home side pressed high and forced Salzburg into defensive actions, yet clear-cut chances proved elusive.

Salzburg, managed by Danny Röhl, absorbed pressure effectively and waited for transitional opportunities. Their patience paid off just before the interval. In the 39th minute, Mazurek delivered a precise cross that found Schmid, whose low delivery into the box was met by Tabakovic. The Bosnian forward showed excellent composure and technique, finishing with a clever touch – described by Austrian media as a “magic goal” or heel finish – past goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov. The goal was confirmed after a brief VAR check, sending the travelling Salzburg contingent into celebration.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Levski Sofia pushed forward in search of an equaliser, introducing fresh legs including David Kusso, Juan Esteban Perea and Mazire Soula. Salzburg, however, remained organised and limited the hosts to speculative efforts and blocked shots. The Austrian side also managed the game well late on, making defensive substitutions and running down the clock. Yellow cards were issued frequently as the intensity rose, with Salzburg receiving five and Levski Sofia one.

All Goals Highlights:
39' – Haris Tabakovic (Red Bull Salzburg) – Assisted by build-up involving Bartosz Mazurek and Dominik Schmid. Close-range finish after a low cross into the box. Confirmed by VAR.

Detailed Match Statistics

The numbers underline Salzburg’s clinical edge and Levski Sofia’s wastefulness in front of goal. Despite similar possession figures and a slight edge in total shots for the home team, the visitors created higher-quality chances and converted the decisive one.

Statistic	Levski Sofia	Red Bull Salzburg
Possession	49–50%	50–51%
Total Shots	13–14	12
Shots on Target	0	7
Shots off Target	5	3
Blocked Shots	8	2
Corners	5	4
Expected Goals (xG)	1.01–1.04	1.39–1.49
Fouls	8–9	19–21
Yellow Cards	1	5
Red Cards	0	0
Saves	6	0
Accurate Passes	~402 (86–87%)	~404 (86–87%)

Levski Sofia’s inability to register a single shot on target is the standout statistic of the evening. Goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky of Salzburg was rarely tested, while Vutsov of Levski made several important saves to keep the deficit at one goal. Salzburg’s defensive unit, featuring Kévin Boma and Tim Drexler in central defence, remained solid throughout.

Starting Lineups and Substitutions

Both coaches opted for balanced formations suited to the occasion. Levski Sofia lined up in a 4-2-3-1 or similar variant, while Salzburg deployed a solid structure with attacking width.

Levski Sofia Starting XI

• GK: Svetoslav Vutsov
• DF: Aldair, Kristian Dimitrov (c), Christian Makoun, Maicon
• MF: Serginho, Gasper Trdin
• MF/FW: Everton Bala, Armstrong Oko-Flex, Álex Centelles
• FW: Reinaldo

Substitutions for Levski Sofia included David Kusso for Centelles (58'), Juan Esteban Perea for Reinaldo (76'), Mazire Soula for Oko-Flex (77'), Asen Mitkov for Makoun (88') and Stivan Stoyanchov for Everton Bala (88').

Red Bull Salzburg Starting XI

• GK: Christian Zawieschitzky
• DF: Nikolas Veratschnig (c), Kévin Boma, Tim Drexler, Dominik Schmid
• MF: Abubakr Barry, Bartosz Mazurek
• MF/FW: Edmund Baidoo, Sota Kitano, Yorbe Vertessen
• FW: Haris Tabakovic

Salzburg changes: Damir Redzic for Kitano (63'), Karim Konaté for Vertessen (69'), Frans Krätzig for Baidoo (89').

Referee Mohammad Al-Emara (Finland) controlled the game with assistants Turkka Valjakka and Mika Lamppu. VAR was operated by Pawel Malec (Poland).

Player Performances and Ratings

Haris Tabakovic earned man-of-the-match honours for his decisive contribution and overall work rate. The forward continues his strong form in European competition and has now scored multiple times for Salzburg this season. Goalkeeper Zawieschitzky kept a clean sheet with a composed display, while midfielder Mazurek impressed with his defensive contribution and involvement in the goal.

For Levski Sofia, captain Kristian Dimitrov and full-back Aldair put in solid shifts, but the attacking unit struggled for cohesion. Everton Bala and Armstrong Oko-Flex showed flashes of quality but lacked the final product. Goalkeeper Vutsov made important interventions that prevented a heavier defeat.

Disciplinary notes saw yellow cards issued to Álex Centelles (Levski Sofia) and, for Salzburg, Sota Kitano, Haris Tabakovic, Bartosz Mazurek, Yorbe Vertessen and Abubakr Barry (late in stoppage time).

Tactical Analysis

Salzburg’s game plan centred on compact defensive shape, quick transitions and exploiting spaces behind Levski’s high line. The Austrian side were content to concede possession in non-dangerous areas and struck when Levski overcommitted. The goal itself was a textbook example of patient build-up followed by a clinical finish in the penalty area.

Levski Sofia, buoyed by home support and their domestic success that ended Ludogorets’ long dominance in Bulgaria, attempted to impose their style. They enjoyed territorial advantage at times and won several corners, yet their finishing was wayward and their movement in the final third lacked sharpness against a well-drilled Salzburg defence. Coach Julio Velázquez will be disappointed that his side created volume without quality.

The physical nature of the contest was reflected in the foul count, with Salzburg committing significantly more fouls as they disrupted Levski’s rhythm. Both teams rotated players late on to maintain intensity and protect the result or chase the game.

Historical Context and Head-to-Head

This was the third competitive meeting between the clubs. In the 2009/10 UEFA Europa League group stage, Red Bull Salzburg won both encounters 1-0 – first at home and then away in Sofia. The latest result extends Salzburg’s perfect record against Levski Sofia. For the Bulgarian club, the match marked a significant return to the Europa League proper after more than a decade away from the main stage of UEFA club competition.

Levski Sofia’s path to this stage involved strong domestic form under Velázquez, while Salzburg arrived with the reputation of a club that regularly produces competitive European campaigns and develops talent for bigger leagues.

Implications for the Europa League League Phase

Under the new UEFA Europa League format, every result carries weight across the expanded league phase. Salzburg’s three points and clean sheet provide an excellent platform as they look to progress deep into the competition. The Austrian side have historically performed well in Europe and will aim to build on this result in subsequent fixtures.

For Levski Sofia, the defeat is a setback but not a catastrophe. Points will still be available in remaining matches, and the experience of competing against a well-organised opponent like Salzburg can serve as valuable preparation. The Bulgarian champions will need to improve their clinical edge in front of goal if they are to climb the standings.

Early league-phase tables placed Salzburg among the sides with three points after Matchday 1, while Levski Sofia sat among the teams still seeking their first points.

What the Coaches and Players Said

Post-match reactions highlighted the contrasting emotions. Salzburg coach Danny Röhl praised his team’s maturity and ability to defend a lead under pressure. The clean sheet and three points away from home were described as the ideal start. Tabakovic was singled out for his contribution, continuing his reputation as a reliable goalscorer in European fixtures for the club.

On the Levski Sofia side, the focus turned to the lack of cutting edge. Despite controlling aspects of the game and creating opportunities, the inability to test the opposition goalkeeper sufficiently proved costly. The home support was acknowledged for creating an intense atmosphere that made the fixture a true European night.

Looking Ahead

Both clubs will now turn their attention to domestic fixtures before the next round of Europa League action. Salzburg will look to maintain momentum in the Austrian Bundesliga while preparing for the challenges of the league phase. Levski Sofia face the task of bouncing back quickly in the Bulgarian league and refining their attacking patterns before hosting or travelling for their next European assignment.

The 2026/27 UEFA Europa League continues to deliver competitive matches across the continent. This encounter between Levski Sofia and Red Bull Salzburg served as an early illustration of the fine margins that often decide results at this level – one moment of quality from Tabakovic proved enough to separate two committed teams on a memorable night in Sofia.

Full Match Timeline of Key Events

• Kick-off
• 39' – Goal: Haris Tabakovic (Salzburg) makes it 0-1
• 41' – Yellow card: Sota Kitano (Salzburg)
• Half-time: Levski Sofia 0-1 Salzburg
• 55' – Yellow card: Álex Centelles (Levski Sofia)
• 56' – Yellow card: Haris Tabakovic (Salzburg)
• 58' – Substitution: David Kusso on for Centelles (Levski Sofia)
• 60' – Yellow card: Bartosz Mazurek (Salzburg)
• 63' – Substitution: Damir Redzic on for Kitano (Salzburg)
• 65' – Yellow card: Yorbe Vertessen (Salzburg)
• 69' – Substitution: Karim Konaté on for Vertessen (Salzburg)
• 76' – Substitutions: Perea for Reinaldo; Soula for Oko-Flex (Levski Sofia)
• 88' – Substitutions: Mitkov for Makoun; Stoyanchov for Everton Bala (Levski Sofia)
• 89' – Substitution: Frans Krätzig on for Baidoo (Salzburg)
• 90'+3' – Yellow card: Abubakr Barry (Salzburg)
• Full Time: Levski Sofia 0-1 Red Bull Salzburg

This comprehensive report covers every major aspect of the Levski Sofia vs Salzburg encounter – from the sole goal and full-time scoreline to statistics, lineups, tactical insights and the broader context of the UEFA Europa League campaign. Red Bull Salzburg leave Sofia with a valuable away victory, while Levski Sofia must regroup and look to convert their territorial promise into goals in future matches.