Levski Sofia vs AEK Athens: Live Score, Line-Ups and Match Information
UEFA Champions League Qualifying Play-Offs
Levski Sofia are preparing for a major European test as they take on AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League qualifying play-off round. The first leg is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026, with kick-off listed for 19:00 UTC. Match listings identify the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia as the venue.
The fixture is attracting significant attention because both clubs are battling for a place in the Champions League group-stage league phase. For Levski, the home match represents an important opportunity to take control of the tie before the return meeting in Athens on August 26. AEK Athens, meanwhile, will be looking to produce a strong away performance and take a positive result back to Greece.
Live Score and Match Status
At the time of this report, the match has not yet kicked off, so there is no live score to report. Current match information lists Levski Sofia against AEK Athens on August 18, with the game scheduled for the evening. Supporters will be able to follow the score, goals, cards, substitutions and other live statistics through UEFA’s official match centre and major live-score services.
The UEFA match centre provides official live updates and line-up information, while services such as FotMob and Flashscore offer live commentary, statistics and player ratings once the match begins.
Levski Sofia’s Recent Form
Levski arrive with encouraging results behind them. Their recent sequence includes a 1-0 victory away to Kairat Almaty, a 2-0 home win against Lokomotiv Plovdiv, another 1-0 victory over Kairat, and a 3-0 win against Septemvri Sofia. They also drew 2-2 away to Universitatea Craiova.
That run suggests Levski have developed a strong defensive foundation. Their ability to keep clean sheets could be particularly important against AEK, who possess experienced attacking players and will be dangerous if given space.
Levski’s home advantage could also prove significant. Current match information highlights a strong home record, increasing confidence among supporters ahead of the first leg.
AEK Athens’ Challenge
AEK Athens also enter the contest in competitive form. Their recent results include a 2-2 draw with OFI Crete, a 2-3 victory over PEC Zwolle, a 2-1 win against FC Groningen, a 1-1 draw with Olympiacos and another 1-1 draw against PAOK Thessaloniki.
The Greek side therefore have plenty of experience in difficult matches, but their defensive organisation will be tested by a Levski team playing in front of its home supporters.
AEK are also dealing with at least one known availability issue. FotMob lists Mijat Gaćinović as unavailable through injury, although final team news and official starting line-ups can change before kick-off.
Expected Line-Ups
Official starting XI announcements are not yet available at the time of writing. UEFA’s match centre will provide the confirmed line-ups when they are released.
Supporters should therefore avoid treating predicted line-ups as confirmed selections. Coaches can make late changes because of injuries, tactical decisions or fitness concerns.
First Meeting Between the Clubs
Another interesting aspect of this tie is the lack of previous competitive head-to-head history. Current match information indicates that there are no recorded previous meetings between Levski Sofia and AEK Athens, meaning this first leg will create a new European rivalry between the two sides.
That makes the opening 90 minutes even more intriguing. Neither team can rely on recent head-to-head experience, so tactical discipline, confidence and the ability to handle pressure could determine the outcome.
What to Expect
Levski are likely to approach the match with the intention of using their home advantage while avoiding unnecessary risks. AEK, on the other hand, may be satisfied with a competitive away performance that leaves the tie open for the second leg.
With Champions League qualification at stake, every goal could prove crucial. A strong Levski start would put pressure on AEK, while an early Greek goal could change the atmosphere inside the stadium and force the Bulgarian side to chase the game.
The return leg is scheduled for August 26, meaning neither side can afford to lose concentration across the two-match tie.
For fans following the action, the key information is clear: Levski Sofia vs AEK Athens, Champions League qualifying play-off, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 UTC in Sofia. The live score, confirmed line-ups, goals, cards and match statistics will become available once the game begins.
This is a huge European night for Levski Sofia and a demanding challenge for AEK Athens. With both clubs dreaming of Champions League qualification, the first leg promises to deliver a tense and highly competitive encounter.
