Levski Sofia win 2-1 against Viktoria Plzen in the UEFA Europa League.

The UEFA Europa League League Phase fixture took place on 22 October 2026 at the Doosan Arena in Plzen. Both sides entered the match looking to claim three points, with the Czech side hosting Bulgarian outfit Levski Sofia under the evening lights.

How it unfolded

The first significant incident came in the 20th minute when Mazire Soula of Levski Sofia was shown a yellow card for a bad foul, marking the earliest booking of the evening. The match remained tightly contested until the 44th minute, when Everton Bala broke the deadlock for the visitors. Bala received a pass from Reinaldo and fired a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the centre of the goal, giving Levski Sofia a 1-0 lead just before halftime.

Viktoria Plzen responded after the break, and their equaliser arrived in the 62nd minute. Christophe Kabongo capitalised on a corner delivery from Cheick Souaré, striking with his right foot from the centre of the box into the bottom right corner to make it 1-1. The momentum shifted quickly, however, as Levski Sofia reclaimed the advantage three minutes later. In the 65th minute, Reinaldo scored from very close range after a low cross from Maicon, restoring the visitors’ lead to 2-1.

The final notable event was a yellow card issued to Stefan Pirgic of Viktoria Plzen in the 87th minute for a bad foul, the last booking of the match. The game concluded with Levski Sofia holding on to their two-goal tally.

Standout performers

Everton Bala provided the opening strike, converting a Reinaldo pass to put Levski Sofia ahead. Reinaldo not only supplied the assist for Bala but also added the decisive second goal, finishing a Maicon-provided chance. Christophe Kabongo was the key figure for Viktoria Plzen, scoring the equaliser from a Cheick Souaré corner.

Match facts

  • Final score: Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Levski Sofia
  • Goals:
    • Everton Bala (Levski Sofia) 44' – assist: Reinaldo
    • Christophe Kabongo (Viktoria Plzen) 62' – assist: Cheick Souaré
    • Reinaldo (Levski Sofia) 65' – assist: Maicon
  • Bookings:
    • Mazire Soula (Levski Sofia) 20' (yellow)
    • Stefan Pirgic (Viktoria Plzen) 87' (yellow)
  • Venue: Doosan Arena, Plzen

What it means

Levski Sofia’s 2-1 win secures three points in the UEFA Europa League League Phase, putting them ahead of Viktoria Plzen, who return home with a single point from the encounter.