FC Red Bull Salzburg face a tough test from a financially motivated Levski Sofia side as they travel to Bulgaria with the aim of recording a quickfire Europa League double over their Group G opponents on November 5.
The Red Bulls have made a perfect start to their European campaign with three wins out of three at the halfway stage, including a home win over Thursday’s opponents two weeks ago, but an improved Levski could prove a tougher nut to crack this time around.
When the Bulgarian side arrived in Austria a fortnight ago they had just sacked their coach and had endured a dreadful run of form, but after two consecutive victories in their domestic league the Levski management are reportedly ready to hand out win bonuses for three points against the Red Bulls.
The Levski bonuses had been halted of late, but are making a comeback following the upturn in form since the temporary appointment of Georgi Ivanov as coach.
The Red Bulls meanwhile should be motivated enough after their perfect start and a win in Sofia would virtually guarantee their place in the last 32 of the competition – the stage where eight losing Champions League sides join the Europa League.
In addition to a run of just one loss in their last 11 matches in all competitions, the Red Bulls have three wins from their last four European matches away from home – against Bohemians, Dinamo Zagreb and Lazio – and they will be hopeful that run can continue over a side that have lost their last four home matches in UEFA competition.
Ahead of the tie we take a look at Levski’s progress since the last meeting between the two sides.
PFC Levski Sofia
Who is in charge of the team at the moment?
Former boss, Ratko Dostanic, resigned prior to Levski’s visit to the Red Bull Arena and they have since been coached by 33-year-old Sporting Director, Georgi Ivanov, who up until this season was playing as a striker for Levski and is a Bulgarian international. Officially, Dostanic’s former assistant, Antoni Zdravkov, has the position of head coach due to Ivanov’s lack of the required coaching badges.
Are they getting a new permanent manager?
Yes. Levski have reportedly set a deadline of 17 November to announce the new man. Names in the frame include Vyacheslav Grozni and Stanimir Stoilov.
How are they doing domestically?
They have won their last two matches, however they were against second from bottom Sportist and mid-table Loko MZ. The wins have lifted Levski to sixth in the Bulgarian League table.
Who to watch out for?
Enyo Krastovchev is an attacking midfielder, who provides the creativity for Levski. The 25-year-old is bang in form with two goals in his last two matches and will be looking to dictate play against the Red Bulls.
Levksi Sofia v FC Red Bull Salzburg – team news
Ibrahim Sekagya, Alexander Zickler, Christoph Leitgeb, Dusan Svento and Somen Tchoyi are all doubts for the Red Bulls, who welcome influential striker Marc Janko back to European action after he missed the home tie against Levski through injury. Elin Topuzakov and Vladimir Gadzhev are the only injury doubts for Levski, who have a full squad to choose from.
PFC Levski Sofia – Forthcoming Europa League fixtures
December 1: Villareal (Georgi Asparuhov)
December 16: Lazio (Stadio Olympico)
PFC Levski Sofia v FC Red Bull Salzburg
Georgi Asparuhov Stadium
Kick-off: 21.05 (CET), November 5, 2009
FC Red Bull Salzburg – Forthcoming Europa League fixtures
December 2: Lazio (Red Bull Arena)
December 17: Villareal (El Madrigal)
Find out more about the Red Bulls at the FC Red Bull Salzburg website
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