Borac Banja Luka and Levski Sofia Set for Historic Champions League Qualifier

The UEFA Champions League kicks off its qualifying stages with a compelling first-round encounter between Bosnian champions Borac Banja Luka and Bulgarian titleholders Levski Sofia. This fixture marks the first competitive meeting between the two clubs and comes after both sides enjoyed dominant domestic campaigns.

The opening leg is scheduled to take place at Borac’s Gradski Stadion in Banja Luka, with the return leg to follow in Sofia on July 14.

Borac’s Domestic Dominance

Borac Banja Luka secured their most successful post-independence domestic season in 2025-26, clinching a record fourth Bosnian Premier League title. Under the guidance of Vinko Marinovic, the club secured the championship with four games to spare, finishing the season with 27 wins, five draws, and four defeats. Their defensive strength was evident, conceding an average of just 0.8 goals per game.

Levski’s Historic Title Triumph

Levski Sofia also celebrated a significant achievement, ending a 17-year wait for the Bulgarian First League crown. Head coach Julio Velazquez led the Sofia club to their first league title since 2009, notably breaking Ludogorets Razgrad’s streak of 14 consecutive league championships. Levski’s championship-winning season saw them record 25 wins, six draws, and five defeats, scoring 71 goals. While they previously won the Bulgarian Cup in 2021-22, this league title holds particular importance.

European Pedigree

Levski Sofia boasts a more extensive European pedigree, having been the first Bulgarian club to reach the UEFA Champions League group stage in the 2006-07 season, competing against formidable opponents like Barcelona, Chelsea, and Werder Bremen. They have also participated in multiple Europa League group stages and reached the European Cup quarter-finals twice.

Key Players and Lineups

For Borac Banja Luka, Luka Juricic will be a key attacking threat, having scored 27 goals across all competitions in the previous season. Midfielder Stefan Savic contributed seven goals and seven assists, while David Vukovic provides creativity. Young goalkeeper Mladen Jurkas has established himself in the first team and earned a call-up to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s World Cup squad.

Borac Banja Luka possible starting lineup:
Jurkas; Jaksic, Pascual, Sanicanin, Herrera; Ogrinec, Grahovac, Savic; Vukovic, Hrelja, Juricic

Levski Sofia’s attack is spearheaded by Everton Bala, who netted 19 goals in all competitions. Juan Perea added 12 goals, and Armstrong Oko-Flex scored nine. Mazire Soula remains a vital creative force in midfield, known for his assists and ability to influence the game from central or wide positions.

Levski Sofia possible starting lineup:
Vutsov; Maicon, Makoun, Dimitrov, Kamdem; Bouras, Trdin, Soula; Perea, Oko-Flex, Bala

Prediction

Home advantage, a higher UEFA coefficient, and the momentum from a settled squad that secured their league title comfortably give Borac Banja Luka a slight edge in the first leg. While Levski possesses significant attacking talent, their away record in European qualifiers under Julio Velazquez is yet to be fully tested at this level.

Key facts
| Category | Detail |
| :———————– | :———————————————————————– |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League |
| Round | First Qualifying Round |
| First Leg Venue | Gradski Stadion, Banja Luka |
| Second Leg Venue | Vivacom Arena – Georgi Asparuhov, Sofia |
| Borac’s Domestic Success | Record fourth Bosnian Premier League title in 2025-26 |
| Levski’s Domestic Success| Bulgarian First League title 2025-26, ending a 17-year wait |

This match is significant for FootballGames10 readers as it represents the start of the European club season, offering a glimpse into the form and potential of teams from less prominent leagues. The clash between two domestic champions provides an early opportunity to assess their capabilities on the continental stage.

Source: Sports Mole Football RSS – https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/borac-banja-luka/champions-league/preview/borac-banja-luka-vs-levski-sofia-prediction-team-news-lineups_600749.html

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