H. Beer Sheva vs Levski Sofia Prediction, Preview, Odds: 17/7/2025

As the UEFA Europa League unfolds, two familiar contenders are preparing for yet another tightly contested encounter. Hapoel Beer Sheva, representing Israel’s footballing pride from the Negev desert, is set to face Bulgaria’s historic club Levski Sofia on July 17th. After back-to-back goalless draws, this matchup promises another high-stakes chapter in a growing rivalry shaped by defensive grit and tactical calculation.

Building a Balanced Side: Hapoel Beer Sheva’s Approach

Hapoel Beer Sheva has established itself as a consistent presence in European competition. Blending experience with emerging talent, the team boasts leadership from veterans like goalkeeper Ofir Marciano and central defender Miguel Vítor. Alongside them, younger players such as Kings Kangwa and Amir Ganah have injected pace and energy into the squad.

Their midfield is driven by the creativity and composure of Lucas Ventura and Eliel Peretz, while the forward line is bolstered by the flair and vision of Iuri Medeiros and Dan Biton. Head coach Elyaniv Barda has shaped a lineup that balances tactical discipline with attacking potential—a formula that has allowed them to hold their own on the European stage.

Their previous encounters against Levski Sofia, though ending in 0-0 draws, underlined Beer Sheva’s defensive strength, especially away from home. Their well-organized shape and ability to absorb pressure speak to a team that values structure as much as ambition.

Levski Sofia’s Modern Revival Under Velázquez

From its roots in Bulgarian football history to its current ambitions, Levski Sofia has undergone a tactical evolution under head coach Julio Velázquez. Known for his structured system and keen eye for player development, Velázquez has assembled a squad that balances youth with experience.

Notable names include the dynamic forward Marin Petkov, powerful striker Mustapha Sangaré, and the versatile Christian Makoun. In midfield, Asen Mitkov adds technical control, while the backline features reliable defenders like Wenderson Tsunami and Maicon.

Levski’s recent form suggests a team with offensive sharpness—scoring three goals each in victories over Montana and Beroe, and a narrow win against Radnik. However, against Beer Sheva’s calculated defense, their attacking rhythm faltered, raising questions about how they’ll adapt this time around.

Tactics, Stalemates, and What’s at Stake

Both clubs have now faced off twice in recent memory without finding the net. These stalemates have highlighted the disciplined nature of their setups. Beer Sheva’s compact defense has proven difficult to break down, while Levski has dominated possession without translating control into goals.

Outside of these head-to-head clashes, Levski has shown a more potent edge in front of goal. Their inability to carry that attacking firepower into the games against Beer Sheva, however, suggests that tactical rigidity may be limiting their final-third impact. A breakthrough will likely require greater creativity and more aggressive risk-taking.

On the other hand, Beer Sheva appears content to play with patience, trusting in their defense and looking to capitalize on counterattacks and set pieces. With both sides showing a strong defensive core and relatively conservative attacking output in their recent matchups, goals may remain at a premium.

Prediction

The upcoming third clash between these two sides carries the weight of unfinished business. Each team has demonstrated its ability to contain the other, and while recent results suggest an offensive spark from both squads, history leans toward another tight affair.

Considering their Europa League form, it’s notable that 17 of Beer Sheva’s last 20 matches in the competition have ended with under 3.5 total goals. Similarly, 13 of Levski Sofia’s last 16 top-tier games have followed the same pattern.

Prediction: Under 3.5 goals