Levski Sofia vs AEK Athens prediction 18.08.2026 | UEFA Champions League

Levski have won four consecutive matches without conceding, beating Septemvri Sofia 3-0, Kairat 1-0, Lokomotiv Plovdiv 2-0 and Kairat again 1-0. They also drew 2-2 away to Universitatea Craiova earlier in qualifying, which was their highest-scoring match of the campaign so far, while the other four fixtures produced under 2.5 goals.

Their defensive record is the major positive. Levski have kept clean sheets in their last four matches and conceded only three goals in their six Champions League qualifiers. Against Kairat in the second leg, they were under pressure for long periods, with only 44% possession and two shots on target, but goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov made six saves as Julio Velazquez's side secured a 1-0 victory. 

Current pre-match information lists no unavailable Levski players, although the club have previously had several injury concerns, including Radoslav Kirilov, Stipe Vulikic and Oliver Kamdem.

AEK have also enjoyed a strong pre-season and enter the tie unbeaten in their last 13 matches. Most recently, AEK drew 2-2 with OFI Crete in the Greek Super Cup before losing the subsequent penalty shootout. 

The Greek champions' unbeaten run highlights their consistency, although their defensive record is less convincing than Levski's. AEK have failed to keep a clean sheet in four of their last six matches, suggesting that Levski could create opportunities despite being expected to spend periods defending. 

AEK's only confirmed absentee is midfielder Mijat Gacinovic, who is sidelined with a meniscus injury and is not expected to come back until September.