AEK Athens FC 4-0 Levski Sofia as Varga scores twice

AEK Athens FC secured a 4-0 victory over Levski Sofia in the UEFA Champions League play-offs at Allwyn Arena, Athens, on Wednesday. AEK led 3-0 at half-time and completed a convincing win after the interval, with all four goals coming from different phases of a match they controlled despite having less possession.

AEK make decisive start

Luka Jović opened the scoring in the seventh minute, finishing a move assisted by Lazaros Rota. AEK doubled their advantage five minutes later when Barnabás Varga converted Filipe Relvas’ assist. Varga struck again in the 29th minute, this time supplied by Lovro Majer, giving the home side a three-goal lead before the break.

The early goals were the defining turning point. Levski Sofia had 52% possession and completed 462 passes compared with AEK’s 429, but that control did not translate into enough danger near goal. AEK were more effective in the decisive areas, registering 10 shots inside the box and seven shots on target. Levski managed three shots on target and 11 attempts overall, with seven off target.

Penalty completes the scoring

AEK added a fourth goal in the 55th minute when R. Marin scored from the penalty spot. Marin was later booked in the 51st minute, while AEK also received yellow cards for S. Pilios in the 74th minute and Zini in the 89th. Levski Sofia recorded no yellow cards.

The statistics reflected AEK’s efficiency rather than total territorial dominance. The hosts had 16 total shots to Levski’s 11, six corner kicks to three and no offsides compared with one for the visitors. Both teams completed 89% of their passes, while each goalkeeper made three saves. Levski’s higher possession therefore contrasted sharply with the scoreline, as AEK produced the clearer opportunities and finished them clinically.

Varga leads AEK’s performance

Barnabás Varga was the standout player, earning a match rating of 9.0 after scoring twice and recording two shots on target in 81 minutes. He was withdrawn for Zini late on. Jović also scored, while Relvas, Rota and Majer each supplied an assist, with Rota additionally producing four key passes.

Both coaches used the second half to make changes. Levski introduced G. Trdin, J. Perea, D. Kusso and M. Soula, while AEK brought on P. Mantalos and Zini. The result gives AEK Athens FC a clear win in this play-off match. No current standings data is available for either team, so their precise league positions cannot be assessed; AEK’s recent form had been listed as a draw, while Levski arrived with a longer sequence featuring wins and draws before suffering this defeat.