AEK Athens vs Levski Sofia: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | 26 August 2026

AEK Athens vs Levski Sofia prediction: after a goalless first leg in Sofia, the tie is delicately poised, but AEK’s home advantage and greater attacking depth could prove decisive. Our prediction is AEK Athens 2-0 Levski Sofia.

Match Details

• Fixture: AEK Athens vs Levski Sofia
• Competition: UEFA Champions League
• Stage: Playoff qualifying round, second leg
• Date: Wednesday, 26 August 2026
• Venue: AEK Arena
• First-leg score: Levski Sofia 0-0 AEK Athens
• Prediction: AEK Athens 2-0 Levski Sofia

Match Preview

AEK Athens return home with everything still to play for after a goalless first leg in Sofia, where Marko Nikolic’s side created the better clear-cut opportunities but could not find a breakthrough.

Luka Jovic came closest when his half-volley struck the bar, while Levski goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov produced another composed performance to preserve the clean sheet.

AEK had entered the tie in prolific form, scoring at least twice in five of their previous six matches across all competitions, so their failure to score in Bulgaria represented a rare attacking blank.

Nikolic nevertheless has reason for confidence. The Greek champions now return to their own ground knowing one victory would send them back into the Champions League proper for the first time since the 2018-19 season.

AEK came close three seasons ago before falling to Antwerp in the playoff round, and this current side will be desperate to avoid another near miss.

Levski, however, arrive with remarkable momentum. Julio Velazquez’s team extended their unbeaten run to 19 matches with the first-leg draw and then thrashed Spartak Varna 6-0 at the weekend.

The Bulgarian side have also kept six consecutive clean sheets since a 2-2 draw with Universitatea Craiova in the second qualifying round, underlining the defensive discipline that has carried them this far.

The challenge for Levski is to reproduce that compactness away from home against an AEK side likely to play with far greater territorial dominance in Athens.

AEK Athens Team Analysis

AEK’s main frustration in Sofia was not chance creation but execution. They generated enough promising situations to suggest they can break Levski down, particularly with more sustained home pressure.

Jovic should arrive with renewed confidence after scoring twice in the 4-0 league win over Iraklis at the weekend.

Barnabas Varga was also on target, while Razvan Marin created two goals and remains central to AEK’s attacking rhythm.

Nikolic’s side are likely to use Marin and Lovro Majer to progress the ball through midfield, with Koita providing width and Jovic plus Varga occupying the penalty area.

At home, AEK should play with greater aggression, but patience may still be required against a Levski side that has proved extremely difficult to break down.

Levski Sofia Team Analysis

Levski’s defensive structure is their clearest strength. Six successive clean sheets and a 19-match unbeaten run point to a team comfortable without the ball and disciplined in protecting central areas.

Vutsov has been a major part of that stability, while the defensive line in front of him has consistently limited opponents to low-quality opportunities.

Armstrong Okoflex also provides an important outlet in transition. He scored twice against Spartak Varna at the weekend and was withdrawn after 72 minutes, suggesting Velazquez was already managing his workload with Athens in mind.

Levski will likely look to frustrate AEK early and then exploit any space left behind as the hosts commit more bodies forward.

Their challenge is maintaining that defensive concentration while also creating enough attacking threat to avoid spending the entire match under pressure.

Head-to-Head

The first leg ended 0-0, leaving the tie completely open.

AEK had the stronger clear-cut chances, while Levski again showed the defensive resilience that has defined their recent run.

Historically, Levski have not enjoyed strong results against Greek opposition, with two defeats and one draw from the three meetings referenced in the supplied context.

Form and Recent Context

AEK responded to the first-leg draw by beating Iraklis 4-0, with Jovic scoring twice, Varga also finding the net and Marin providing two assists.

Levski followed the draw with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Spartak Varna, extending their unbeaten run to 19 matches.

Both teams therefore enter the second leg with strong domestic momentum, but AEK’s home advantage could be the key difference.

Tactical Battle

AEK are expected to control more possession and territory than they did in Sofia, using their midfield creativity and forward movement to stretch Levski’s compact defensive block.

Marin’s passing range will be important, while Majer and Koita can help create overloads in wide and half-space areas.

Levski will likely defend in a narrow, disciplined shape before breaking through Okoflex and Reinaldo when possession changes hands.

The first goal could be decisive. If AEK score early, Levski will be forced to abandon the cautious approach that has served them so well. If the match remains level deep into the second half, pressure could shift back onto the hosts.

Team News

AEK Athens

AEK enter the second leg without significant fresh fitness concerns.

Jovic should retain his place after scoring twice at the weekend, while Varga is also expected to start following his goal against Iraklis.

Marin’s creativity remains central to the midfield structure after providing two assists in that victory.

Levski Sofia

Levski remain without Akram Bouras due to a muscle injury, while Oliver Kamdem is sidelined with a knee problem.

Mustapha Sangare is also absent with a muscle issue, Radoslav Kirilov has a knee injury and Stipe Vulikic is unavailable because of a foot problem.

Okoflex should retain his attacking role after scoring twice against Spartak Varna.

Predicted Lineups

AEK Athens possible starting lineup

AEK Athens: Strakosha; Rota, Moukoudi, Relvas, Pilios; Majer, Kairinen, Marin, Koita; Jovic, Varga.

Levski Sofia possible starting lineup

Levski Sofia: Vutsov; Aldair, Dimitrov, Serafimov, Centelles; Moubarik, Mitkov; Okoflex, Serginho, Bala; Reinaldo.

Betting Tips

Full-time result: AEK Athens to win.

Double chance: AEK Athens or draw.

Both teams to score: No.

Over/Under: Under 3.5 goals.

Correct score: AEK Athens 2-0 Levski Sofia.

No bookmaker odds are attached because none were supplied.

Score Prediction

AEK Athens 2-0 Levski Sofia.

Levski’s defensive record commands respect, and their unbeaten run means this should not be a comfortable evening for AEK.

However, the Greek champions created the better chances in Sofia, have home advantage and arrive with Jovic and Varga in scoring form.

That combination should eventually be enough for AEK to break through and secure their return to the Champions League league phase.

Hot Stat

Levski Sofia have gone six consecutive matches without conceding and enter the second leg unbeaten in 19 matches across all competitions.

Final Analysis

This is a classic playoff second leg between a stronger home attack and an exceptionally disciplined visiting defence.

Levski’s compact structure should keep the contest tight for long periods, but AEK’s greater attacking depth and home support give them the clearer route to victory.

If Nikolic’s side stay patient and avoid becoming frustrated, they should eventually create enough openings to finish the job in Athens.