Levski and AEK Athens with goalless draw in Champions League play-off in Sofia

The Bulgarian football team Levski and AEK Athens drew 0-0 in the first leg of the playoff round for a place in the main phase of the UEFA Champions League.

The draw in front of a full stadium at the Vasil Levski National Stadium means that the tie between the Bulgarian and Greek champions will be decided next week in Greece.

The first half was evenly contested. Levski had one chance through a long-range effort by Everton Bala, while the visitors responded with their first opportunity in the 20th minute.

The second half began with two shots on target from Levski players Maicon and Kristian Dimitrov, both saved by AEK Athens goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha. The game remained fast-paced, with play quickly moving from one half to the other. However, neither side created any clear-cut chances, and the teams remained level until the final whistle.

Edited by Diana Tsankova