Levski Sofia vs AEK Athens: Champions League Play-off First Leg Preview
Levski Sofia and AEK Athens meet in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday 18 August 2026. The 19:00 (UTC) kick-off is due to be staged at Levski’s usual Stadion Georgi Asparuhov home in Sofia, where a place in the 36-team league phase is the prize over two legs.
Team News and Injury Latest
Levski head coach Velázquez has a fully-fit squad available after resting several regular starters in domestic action. The Bulgarian champions should be able to call on a settled line-up that has conceded only once in their last four outings, with Everton Bala, Akram Bouras, Maicon and goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov all forming part of the European core during the summer qualifiers.
AEK Athens enter the new season adjusting to life without long-serving midfielder Orbelín Pineda, who departed the club in July after four years. Razvan Marin’s set-piece delivery and distribution remain central to the visitors’ planning, while Lazaros Rota gives width from right-back and Harold Moukoudi anchors the defence. Nikolić can choose between Thomas Strakosha and Alberto Brignoli in goal.