Key Takeaways:
- Levski Sofia and AEK Athens played out a 0-0 draw in the Champions League play-off qualifier first leg
- Both teams missed clear chances, with Luka Jovic hitting the crossbar for AEK and El Mehdi El Moubarik coming close for Levski
- AEK Athens remain winless this season after this result and their recent Greek Super Cup defeat to OFI Crete
First Leg Ends Goalless in Sofia
Levski Sofia and AEK Athens were unable to find the breakthrough in the initial leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie, as both sides settled for a 0-0 draw in Bulgaria. The result ensures the tie remains on a knife-edge, with everything to play for in the return fixture in Athens next week.
Entering the tie, both clubs were determined to secure a return to the Champions League’s main phase, having each endured an absence nearing ten years from the competition’s group stages. Both sides viewed this encounter as a valuable opportunity to progress, leading to a closely contested first half with chances created at either end.
Λήξη του αγώνα: Λέφσκι Σόφιας – ΑΕΚ 0-0
#AEKFC #ForzaAekara #UCL pic.twitter.com/0mbOEymx5z— AEK F.C. (@AEK_FC_OFFICIAL) August 18, 2026
Match Analysis
Reigning Greek champions AEK Athens showed early intent, generating the match’s first real chance on 20 minutes. Luka Jovic connected with a lofted pass from Lovro Majer, producing a powerful volley from a tight angle that rattled the crossbar but failed to break the deadlock. Dikefalos maintained attacking momentum, with Majer delivering another dangerous ball into the penalty area. However, despite four of his teammates anticipating a conversion, none were able to connect, and the ball drifted harmlessly wide.
Levski Sofia’s most promising opportunity arrived in the final stages of the opening half. El Mehdi El Moubarik found space in the box and fired at AEK goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, who stood firm. The chance came after a period of pressure, with the AEK defence inadvertently allowing the ball to break kindly for Levski’s midfielder.
The tempo increased after the break, and although Levski posed more of an attacking threat early in the second half, Strakosha was equal to efforts from Kristian Dimitrov – whose long-range strike lacked the necessary power – and Maicon, whose run was more impressive than the resulting attempt.
At the opposite end, Razvan Marin attempted to inspire a breakthrough for the visitors, but his efforts failed to trouble the target. Both teams ultimately found themselves frustrated, unable to turn possession into any significant goalmouth action, leaving the tie delicately poised for the decider in Greece.
Form and Upcoming Fixtures
Levski Sofia will take some solace from maintaining an impressive record at home in European contests, suffering just a single defeat in their previous eleven European home games. Nevertheless, their inability to capitalise on home advantage means they now head to Greece with the tie finely balanced.
AEK Athens, having already missed out in the Greek Super Cup final against OFI Crete, continue to seek their first win of the season. They will hope to build momentum when they begin their league title defence against Iraklis on Saturday, before turning their focus back to this crucial Champions League decider next week.
