One of Levski Sofia or AEK Athens will be in the UEFA Champions League main draw. The two clash this Tuesday in the first leg of the qualifying playoffs. Levski will host their Greek opponent in this opening encounter, aiming to take a step into the Champions League proper at Natsionalen Stadion Vasil Levski.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsThe Bulgarian outfit are unbeaten in all competitions since May and have claimed five consecutive wins on their turf ahead of facing the Greek giants, who seek to end an eight-year wait for a return to the main stage in Europe's premier club competition.##NAJAVA_MECA_9894251##Julio Velazquez is two more right results from ending Levski Sofia's long-standing wait for Champions League involvement, having last reached the group stage in 2006.On the other hand, Marko Nikolic's AEK side travel to Sofia aware of their disadvantage of not playing as many competitive fixtures this term. Dikefalos' only competitive fixture since claiming a 14th league crown was last week's Super Cup defeat to OFI Crete, and they will look to overcome that lack of match fitness to secure a positive result in this first leg.Kick-off: 10:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Tuesday 18 AugustVenue: Natsionalen Stadion Vasil Levski, SofiaGroup: UEFA Champions League Playoff Round (1st Leg)Current standings: Qualification PhaseBETTING GUIDE: Cremonese vs Sampdoria, Match Preview, team news and predictionQualification implications: The aggregate winner over two legs advances to the UEFA Champions League main draw, while the loser enters the UEFA Europa League league phase.Form GuideLevski Sofia✅ Win vs Kairat Almaty (1-0)✅ Win vs PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv (2-0)✅ Win vs Kairat Almaty (1-0)✅ Win vs FK Septemvri Sofia (3-0)➖ Draw vs CS Universitatea Craiova (2-2)AEK Athens❌ Loss vs OFI Crete (2-2, lost on penalties – Super Cup)✅ Win vs Athens Kallithea FC (4-0)✅ Win vs St. Truidense (3-0)❌ Loss vs Samsunspor (1-2)✅ Win vs Zwolle (3-2)##NAJAVA_MECA_9894282##Head-to-Head (Last Meeting)No previous head-to-head competitive matches played between Levski Sofia and AEK Athens.Team NewsLevski Sofia❌ Radoslav Kirilov – Knee injury (out).❌ Stipe Vulikic – Foot injury (out).🟡 Mustapha Sangare – Muscle injury, subject to late assessment.🟡 Akram Bouras – Muscle injury, subject to late assessment.🟡 Oliver Kamdem – Knee injury, subject to late assessment.AEK Athens❌ Milan Vitalis – Cup-tied (unavailable).❌ Mijat Gacinovic – Injury (out).Barca & Luis Suarez, Ch. 2: Uruguayan became an icon, now it's Colombian's turnPlayer to Watch: Luka Jovic (AEK Athens)Luka Jovic is the away side's undeniable leading threat in the attacking third for Marko Nikolic's men. Coming off a prolific season where he notched 17 goals, the Serbian forward opened his account for the new campaign by scoring in the Super Cup clash against OFI Crete.Jovic's movement inside the penalty box, lethal instincts, and ability to convert half-chances make him AEK Athens' most dangerous weapon on the pitch. If Levski Sofia's backline fails to track his intelligent runs in the final third, Jovic possesses the clinical edge to single-handedly decide this crucial first-leg tie.🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)Levski Sofia Double Chance (Win or Draw)🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)Both Teams to Score – Yes🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)Levski Sofia to Win 2-1Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.
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