La Liga
Levski Sofía's Champions chance hangs on Grecia showdown
El Levski Sofía, coached by Spanish Julio Velázquez since January 2025, held AEK Atenas to a 0‑0 home draw on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League access playoff, leaving the decisive second leg to be played on the 26th in Grecia.
Champions League playoff stakes
Velázquez took charge of Levski Sofía in January 2025. Since his arrival the club lifted the Bulgaria title for the first time in 17 years.
A Champions League group‑stage place would be the first for the Sofía side in 19 years. That milestone adds pressure to the upcoming second leg.
In the Tuesday match Levski dominated large portions of play but could not breach the AEK Atenas defence. Striker Luka Jovic produced the clearest chance, seeing his shot strike the crossbar.
The home crowd failed to provide the expected edge, and the score remained nil‑nil. Consequently the tie is perfectly balanced heading into the 26th.
The decisive encounter will be held in Grecia, handing AEK the advantage of playing on familiar ground. Con the stalemate, Levski must secure a result in Athens to keep their Champions dream alive.