Across the 90 minutes, the game leaned tactical more than chaotic. Levski’s 52 percent of the ball supported a 15 to 12 shot edge, with on target attempts ending 3 to 1 for the hosts. The first half belonged slightly to Levski, who led 7 to 4 in shots, while AEK created the only big chance before the interval. After the break the contest evened out at 8 shots each, and margins stayed thin.

Set pieces and stoppages told their own story. AEK committed 17 fouls to Levski’s 8, handing the home side 17 free kicks. Corners were scarce at 1 to 2, and offsides appeared only once, against the visitors. The only woodwork came from AEK, with Luka Jović grazing the frame before he was substituted. Goal kicks favored Levski 12 to 5, a sign of how often they reset possession rather than play out. For the complete move-by-move data and visualizations, check the Sofascore match center.

Levski Sofia’s defensive platform

Levski’s back line put up numbers that travel well in Europe. They produced 21 clearances to AEK’s 16 and won 67 percent of their tackles. The duel split went 53 to 46 in their favor, with ground duels landing 34 of 63 and aerials 13 of 25. Behind them, Svetoslav Vutsov needed just one save but helped with the ball, completing 38 of 47 passes. He also delivered 10 accurate long balls from 18 attempts, a pressure-release valve when the visitors stepped up.

On the ball, Levski completed 428 of 485 passes and logged 39 final third entries. Long distribution was reliable at 30 accurate from 52, a 58 percent rate. The final delivery lacked bite, though, with only 1 accurate cross from 11. Shot volume was fine at 15, yet just 3 troubled Strakosha. Even so, the team average Sofascore Rating led the night 7.42 to 7.31, reflecting steady individual displays across the back and midfield.

AEK Athens push without payoff

AEK’s approach was proactive, even if the payoff never came. They registered the match’s only big chance and hit the frame once through Jović. They read passing lanes well, finishing with 11 interceptions to Levski’s 6. The visitors also collected 36 recoveries and 16 total tackles, winning 70 percent of those in the second half. After halftime, their final third entries spiked to 27, boosting the overall total to 36.

In wide areas, AEK were marginally sharper, completing 2 of 10 crosses for 20 percent. Dribbles also tilted their way at 5 of 12, a 42 percent success that beat Levski’s return. At the back, Filipe Relvas posted a standout Sofascore Rating of 7.6 on 88 total passes with 82 accurate, 7 aerials won and 7 clearances. Aboubakary Koita contributed at both ends for a 7.3, logging 5 tackles with 4 won and a key pass. When Levski did break through, Strakosha’s three saves covered the small gaps.

Match MVP: Kristian Dimitrov

Kristian Dimitrov earned the match’s top honor with a Sofascore Rating of 7.8. The Levski captain combined composure with bite, anchoring a line that limited AEK to a single shot on target. He completed 67 of 72 passes for a 93 percent clip, including 22 accurate in the opposition half. His 8 clearances were the game’s high-water mark, repeatedly ending promising away moves. He also won 4 duels and 2 aerials while holding shape through transitions.

Dimitrov was not shy to contribute upfield either, taking 2 shots with 1 on target. Add 1 interception, 1 successful tackle and 3 recoveries, and the stat sheet mirrors the eye test. With 86 touches and only 5 possessions lost, he managed volume without panic. Nearby performers deserve a nod — Serginho at 7.6 and goalkeeper Vutsov at 7.5 — but Dimitrov’s all-around control defined Levski’s clean-sheet platform.

Tactical and substitution notes

Both benches were active once the hour approached. AEK made a double change on 57 minutes, sending on Barnabás Varga for Luka Jović and Petros Mantalos for Lovro Majer. More energy arrived on 81 minutes as Oleksandr Zubkov and Mijat Gaćinović entered for Zini and Koita. Those moves correlated with a late push, reflected in superior second half interceptions and 27 final third entries. Levski replied with Juan Perea at 67 minutes for Armstrong Oko-Flex, then a double switch on 79 as Asen Mitkov and Mazire Soula joined.

Julio Velazquez closed the game with defensive insurance, bringing on Hevertton Santos at 88 and Steven Stoyanchov at 89. The strategy fit the numbers, as Levski’s clearances rose to 13 after the break. A single AEK offside and 17 fouls overall underlined the fine margins. Levski’s crossing drought and 2 successful dribbles from 9 explained why their pressure lacked a finish. With touches in the box close at 16 to 13 in AEK’s favor, structure won out over risk.

It ends 0-0, but not for lack of intent. Levski delivered the cleaner defensive metrics and the higher average Sofascore Rating, while AEK produced the night’s best opening and most interceptions. All told, this UEFA Champions League Playoff Round meeting remains finely poised, with both teams knowing exactly where the small gains are.