Levski Sofia will face Red Bull Salzburg at the Vasil Levski National Stadium on Thursday night, marking the start of the 2026-27 Europa League group stage. This match is particularly significant for the Bulgarian champions, as it marks their return to the main European competition after a 15-year absence. Under the management of Julio Velazquez, Levski Sofia has performed well this season, recording 12 wins and 4 draws out of 18 matches, with only two losses. In contrast, Salzburg remains unbeaten in their first 12 competitive games, boasting 9 wins and 3 draws, promising an exciting matchup. Levski Sofia's journey to the Champions League group stage fell short after they were eliminated by AEK Athens in the playoff round, losing 4-0 on aggregate. This disappointment led them to the Europa League, where they are back at the main stage for the first time since the 2010-11 season. In the Bulgarian First League, Levski Sofia has had a strong start, winning 8 of their first 9 matches, scoring 21 goals while conceding just 4. However, they recently dropped points for the first time, settling for a 0-0 draw against Botev Vratsa. Despite playing at a venue that does not fully comply with UEFA regulations, Levski Sofia aims to maintain their strong defensive record in European matches. They have managed to keep seven clean sheets in their last eight home games in Europe, which bodes well for their upcoming challenge. Salzburg, managed by Danny Rohl, is also in excellent form, remaining unbeaten in their first 12 competitive fixtures this season. Their recent performances include four wins and a draw in their last five matches, showcasing their consistency. The Red Bulls had an impressive qualification campaign for the Europa League, winning three and drawing one of their four matches in two qualifying rounds. They began with a narrow 1-0 home win against Pafos, followed by a 3-3 draw away, and capped it off with a commanding 4-0 victory over Mjallby.