AEK is looking to take the first step toward qualifying for the Champions League group stage when it plays (10:00 p.m.) at Levski Sofia’s home stadium.

The match is expected to take place at “Vasil Levski” Stadium, which has a capacity of 43,230 and is known for its passionate Levski fans. This is the same stadium where Panathinaikos recently faced CSKA 1948. The rematch will follow eight days later at the “Allwyn Arena.” Keep in mind that away goals do not count.

AEK must rediscover its best form—which it failed to show in the Superbet Super Cup—in order to get the better of the Bulgarians. There is one significant disadvantage for AEK: the fact that they have played only one official match so far, compared to the home team. Lefski, on the other hand, has played three qualifying rounds in the Champions League and four matches in the domestic league. They eliminated Banja Luka (1-1 away and 4-0 at home), Craiova (1-0 at home, 2-2 away), and Kairat (1-0 at home, 0-1 away) in succession.

“It’s certainly not ideal that we’re facing a team that has played ten matches, while we’ve played just one. We’re up against a team with international players and a good coach, one that plays fast and is strong on the counterattack as well as on set pieces.

We have an experienced and talented group of players at AEK. We must live up to expectations and demands. The goal is to qualify for the Champions League group stage,” said Marko Nikolić, among other things.

“All the guys know how important these two games are; it’s the start of the season, and it begins this way—we have to stay focused, dedicated, and give it our all for tomorrow’s and the next game,” emphasized Lazaros Rota.

Vitalis is ineligible to play, and Alexiou is off the roster. Eliason and Penray have been loaned out to Internacional and Rangers, respectively.

“AEK is a very strong team; it’s hard to predict their style of play,” said Julio Velázquez.

Bouras (starting midfielder) is out; Vukic, Sangaré, Kirilov, and Kamdem have been sidelined for some time.

Possible lineups

Levski Sofia (Julio Velázquez): Vutsov, Aldair, Dimitrov, Serafimov, Sendeyes, Trdin, Mubarik, Oko-Flex, Sergio, Bala, Reynaldo

AEK (Marko Nikolić): Strakosa, Rota, Mukundi, Relvas, Pilios, Kairinen, Marin, Koita, Mayer (Zubkov), Varga, Jović

Referee Team

• Referee: Glenn Nyborg (Sweden)
• Assistant referees: Mahbod Beigi (Sweden) and Andreas Söderkvist (Sweden)
• Fourth official: Adam Nandebeck (Sweden)
• VAR: Dennis Higgler (Netherlands)
• AVAR: Erwin Blank (Netherlands)

*photo source: AEK FC