NEC Nijmegen vs Levski Sofia Preview: Two Heavy Losses, One Chance to Respond at the Goffert

Neither side scored on opening night in the Europa League, and both were beaten. NEC Nijmegen lost 5-0 at Juventus, the biggest defeat for a Dutch club in the competition since February 2017, while Levski Sofia went down 1-0 at home to Red Bull Salzburg. NEC Nijmegen vs Levski Sofia is a league phase fixture in the UEFA Europa League, and it is a first meeting between the clubs. Below you'll find the match details, team news, form and our prediction, plus the NEC Nijmegen vs Levski Sofia match page on score808 if you want to follow the game online.

NEC Nijmegen vs Levski Sofia: Match Details

• Competition: UEFA Europa League 2026/27, league phase, Gameweek 2
• Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
• Kick-off: 21:00 CEST, which is 19:00 UTC (20:00 UK time). One Spanish listing shows an earlier time, so confirm on UEFA.com.
• Venue: Goffertstadion, Nijmegen. Ticket sites list the game as sold out.
• Follow online: score808.stream

The League Phase: A Quick Reset Needed

The Europa League's league phase gives each club eight games against different opponents, and the final table decides who goes straight to the knockouts and who has to play off. After a 5-0 defeat in Turin and a narrow loss at home, both sides are near the bottom, so a win would lift either team up the table.

NEC's schedule continues with a trip to Dinamo Zagreb on 22 October, followed by home games against Omonia on 5 November and Rennes on 26 November. Levski also travel on 22 October, to Viktoria Plzeň.

NEC Nijmegen: European Debutants Looking for a Spark

NEC's European run began in Champions League qualifying, where they beat Olympiacos 2-1 on aggregate before a 6-1 aggregate defeat to Bodø/Glimt dropped them into the Europa League. The 5-0 loss at Juventus was a harsh introduction to the league phase, but they bounced back in the Eredivisie with a 1-1 draw at Ajax on 10 October, with Chery equalising from the penalty spot.

That result left NEC with two wins, three draws and three defeats from eight league games. One form guide lists their last five completed matches as one win, one draw and three defeats, with seven goals scored and twelve conceded. The numbers point to open games: ten of NEC's last twelve matches have featured more than 2.5 goals.

There is team news at the back. Goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz is available again after a one-match European suspension, while Bram Nuytinck, Dennis Geiger and Kaj Sierhuis all missed the Ajax game. Emre Mor is working back from a groin injury, and his involvement is in the balance.

Levski Sofia: Top at Home, Struggling Abroad

Levski arrive as leaders of the Bulgarian First Professional League under Spanish coach Julio Velázquez. They lost 1-0 at home to Salzburg on opening night, but domestic form has been steady: one form guide lists two wins, two draws and a defeat from their last five completed matches, with four goals scored and six conceded.

Away from home is the concern. Levski have lost all six of their previous away games against Dutch opponents, conceding at least two goals each time, and they have conceded seven of their last eight goals after half-time. Midfielder Mustapha Sangaré went off injured on Sunday, and Mehdi Moubarik scored for them in that game, so they come in with one positive and one worry.

Head-to-Head

NEC and Levski have never met, and NEC have never played a Bulgarian team, according to one preview. That makes this a first-time contest, with form and squad quality deciding the outcome.

Key Battles to Watch

1. NEC's attack against Levski's defence. NEC's games are usually high-scoring, and Levski have a record of conceding after the break.

2. Levski's away record against Dutch sides. Six defeats from six trips is a heavy statistic to overcome.

3. NEC's response in Europe. After a 5-0 defeat, the hosts will want to show they belong at this level.

4. Second-half fitness. Levski's late goals conceded could matter if the game stays close.

Team News

Confirmed line-ups were not available at the time of writing. Crettaz is back for NEC, Emre Mor is a doubt, and Sangaré is a concern for Levski. Starting XIs are announced about an hour before kick-off. Follow updates on the live score808 match page.

Prediction: NEC Nijmegen vs Levski Sofia

NEC's home advantage, attacking record and Levski's poor results against Dutch sides make the hosts favourites. One preview predicts a 2-1 NEC win, and our pick is the same: a narrow NEC victory, with goals at both ends likely. Please gamble responsibly, and only where it is legal.

Follow NEC Nijmegen vs Levski Sofia Online with Score808

Want to keep up with the game? Head to score808.stream for NEC Nijmegen vs Levski Sofia and other Europa League fixtures. Bookmark score808 for the rest of the league phase.

NEC Nijmegen vs Levski Sofia: FAQs

What time is NEC Nijmegen vs Levski Sofia?
Kick-off is 21:00 CEST on Thursday 15 October 2026, which is 19:00 UTC and 20:00 UK time.

Where is NEC Nijmegen vs Levski Sofia being played?
At the Goffertstadion in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

Which competition is this match part of?
The UEFA Europa League, league phase 2026/27, Gameweek 2.

How did both teams start their campaigns?
NEC lost 5-0 at Juventus, and Levski lost 1-0 at home to Red Bull Salzburg.

Have these teams met before?
No previous meetings are recorded.

Who is Levski Sofia's head coach?
Julio Velázquez.

Where can I follow NEC Nijmegen vs Levski Sofia online?
On the score808 NEC Nijmegen vs Levski Sofia match page.