An even start and tension at "Vasil Levski"

In front of nearly 40,000 spectators at the National Stadium, Levski and AEK failed to score, finishing 0:0 in the first play-off match for entry into the Champions League group stage. The meeting offered a tough battle in which both teams had their chances, but the defenses and goalkeepers proved to be up to the task.

The Greeks were closer to success before the break, when a shot by Luka Jovic hit the crossbar.

Key moments from the match

  • 20th minute: Luka Jovic hit the woodwork after a breakthrough into the penalty area.
  • 31st minute: A gross error by Svetoslav Vutsov gave Jovic a chance, but the ball went over the goal.
  • 38th minute: The clearest chance for the "Blues" – Mehdi Moubarik unleashed a powerful shot, saved by Thomas Strakosha.
  • 53rd minute: A great individual raid by Maicon, ending with a shot saved by the AEK goalkeeper.

The outcome is yet to come

The second half turned into a tactical battle and a fight for every inch of the pitch. The substitutions made by Marko Nikolic and Velasquez failed to change the goalless draw. The result leaves the intrigue fully alive for the return leg in Athens, which will take place next week.

Lineups:

Levski: Vutsov, Aldair, Serafimov, Dimitrov, Senteyes, Moubarik, Maicon, Serginho, Bala, Oko-Flex, Reynaldo.

AEK: Strakosha, Rota, Moukoudi, Relvas, Pilos, Mayer, Marin, Kairinen, Koita, Zini, Jovic.