Levski Sofia vs Salzburg

Levski Sofia's long-awaited return to European group-stage football, their first appearance on this stage in 15 years, ended in a narrow home defeat as Salzburg edged out a 0-1 win at the Georgi Asparuhov Stadium in the UEFA Europa League opener. The Austrians controlled the tempo from the outset, and their pressure eventually told before the break. Haris Tabakovic settled the contest in the 39th minute, latching onto a ball in the penalty area and calmly finishing past the Levski goalkeeper to send Salzburg in ahead at halftime. Levski tried to respond with changes around the hour mark, but their attacking play never really threatened, and Salzburg's defence held firm through a tense closing spell without conceding. For Levski, the loss is a tough opening note despite their proud record of clean sheets in recent European home matches, and they'll need a much sharper attacking showing to pick up points as the group phase continues. For Salzburg, unbeaten and clinical when it mattered, it's a solid start on the road that keeps their perfect early form intact heading into the rest of the campaign.