AEK Qualify for Champions League After Dominant 4-0 Win Over Levski Sofia

Key Takeaways:

• AEK Athens confirmed their return to the UEFA Champions League main draw for the first time since 2018/19 with a 4-0 aggregate victory over Levski Sofia
• Barnabas Varga netted twice, while Luka Jovic and Razvan Marin also found the net for the Greek champions
• Levski Sofia will enter the UEFA Europa League main draw for the first time since 2010/11 following the defeat

Match Summary

AEK Athens delivered a commanding home performance to defeat Levski Sofia 4-0 in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifier, securing their progression into the main tournament for the first time in five seasons. After the opening match in Sofia ended goalless, Marko Nikolic’s side wasted no time stamping their authority on proceedings at home.

Λήξη του αγώνα: ΑΕΚ – Λέφσκι Σόφιας 4-0! Η ΑΕΚ παίρνει την πρόκριση για τη League Phase του UEFA Champions League!#AEKFC #ForzaAekara #UCL pic.twitter.com/iLm2FdRw6O

— AEK F.C. (@AEK_FC_OFFICIAL) August 26, 2026

First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone

Luka Jovic put the hosts ahead, capitalising on Lazaros Rota’s precise cross to claim his fourth goal of the campaign. The early pressure soon told again, as Barnabas Varga doubled the advantage just five minutes later after reacting alertly to Filipe Relvas’ flicked header and finishing coolly past Svetoslav Vutsov.

Levski attempted to find a response, with Everton Bala sending a speculative shot wide, but the Greek side remained in control. Lovro Majer’s outswinging corner found Varga, who powered home his second and AEK’s third, cementing a strong lead before the interval. The visitors, despite being unbeaten in 15 consecutive matches across all competitions (W10, D5), came closest through Kristian Dimitrov, whose volley narrowly missed the target.

AEK Extend Lead and Control Second Half

The home side continued to dictate play after the break and were awarded a penalty when Aldair Neves felled Jovic inside the area. Razvan Marin calmly converted from the spot to extend the scoreline to 4-0 on aggregate. Levski, undeterred, sought a consolation but were denied on two occasions by Thomas Strakosha, as both David Kusso and Gasper Trdin were unable to capitalise on their opportunities.

With their defensive discipline, AEK maintained their impressive European home record, now reading just one defeat in 11 continental fixtures (W9, D1). Nikolic’s squad comfortably saw out the contest to book their Champions League return.

Statistical Overview