AEK Athens faces Levski Sofia for a spot in the Champions League group stage

AEK Athens is set to host Levski Sofia at the Allwyn Arena on August 26, 2026, at 22:00, in the decisive second leg of the Champions League playoffs. Following a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Bulgaria, the Greek champions are aiming to secure a place in the tournament's League Phase, a feat they have not accomplished since the 2018-2019 season. French referee Clement Turpin has been appointed to officiate the match.

Preparations have been intense, with the club viewing this fixture as a historic opportunity for both prestige and significant financial gain. Analytical models, such as those from 'Football Meets Data', currently estimate AEK's qualification chances at 74%. If successful, the team will be placed in the fourth pot for the upcoming draw scheduled for August 27. The match carries added weight as it marks the club's attempt to return to Europe's elite competition for the first time since their return to the Nea Filadelfeia stadium.

While the outcome remains pending, the competition has already seen notable drama, with LASK Linz and Sabah securing dramatic victories to progress after reversing first-leg deficits. The winner of the AEK-Levski tie will finalize the list of teams participating in the upcoming league phase.