Following the 2-2 draw between Universitatea Craiova and Levski at the Ion Oblemenco Stadium, Bulgarian media reacted to the outcome of the match which resulted in Craiova’s elimination from the Champions League qualifiers.
In the first leg, Levski had secured a narrow 1-0 victory in Sofia. During the return match, the Bulgarians took an early lead, only for Craiova to stage a comeback with goals from Nicușor Bancu and Adrian Rus. Despite their efforts to force extra time, Craiova could not find the net again. Reports highlighted that this marks Levski’s first qualification for a main stage of a European competition in 16 years.
Bulgaria’s Media Response to the Match: “16 Years is Enough!”
The Bulgarian outlet sportal.bg remarked, “An astonishing ‘blue’ evening that we will remember for a long time!” They emphasized, “16 years is enough! Levski has secured its place in the main phase of a European competition. This achievement came after drawing 2-2 against Romanian champions, Universitatea Craiova. The Bulgarian champions advanced in the Champions League qualifiers after winning the first match 1-0, with Everton Bala (13) and Aldair (16) scoring the goals for Levski. Craiova’s goals were netted by Nicușor Bancu (45) and Adrian Rush (48).”
“Universitatea equalized in the 48th minute when central defender Adrian Rush received a free kick just outside the box. The experienced player gave Svetoslav Vutsov no chance, sending the ball into the upper right corner of the net,” noted the Bulgarian press about Rush’s stunning goal.
Following this match, Universitatea Craiova will compete in the Europa League, where they are set to face KuPS in the third qualifying round. Meanwhile, Levski is preparing for their Champions League preliminary fixtures against Kairat Almaty.
