The UEFA Europa League group stage match between NEC and Levski Sofia was played on Thursday 15 October 2026 at 21:00 at the Goffertstadion. The match ended 0‑0, with neither team scoring, and the result remained unchanged after the VAR intervened on several occasions.
From the beginning, the teams showed a balanced rhythm. NEC, under the direction of Dick Schreuder, looked for possession and early pressure, while Levski Sofía, led by Julio Velázquez, tried to take advantage of counterattack opportunities. The first half was marked by several dangerous plays, including a goal by Everton Bala that was disallowed after the VAR review due to lack of prior contact. There was also a foul by NEC's Noé Lebreton that generated a free kick for Levski, but the shot failed to overcome the goalkeeper's barrier.
In the second half, NEC continued their offensive style of play, with shots from Tjaronn Chery and Kevin Kers being parried by Levski's defenders. Levski Sofia also had chances, with Serginho's header falling short. The VAR intervened on several occasions, including an offside decision that denied a move by Marko Grujic. Despite the pressure, neither team managed to convert their opportunities into goals.
The final score of 0-0 left both teams without points in the J-2 group stage table. NEC, who had sought their first victory in the competition, and Levski Sofia, who needed a positive result to improve their position, finished with the same number of points. The day left fans with the feeling that the match was a clash of styles without a clear winner being defined.
With the result, NEC remains in the middle position of the table, while Levski Sofia remains in the relegation zone of the group stage. Teams will have to analyze their tactics and strengthen their defensive lines before the next matches, as each point will be crucial to advance to the next phase of the competition.