AEK Athens vs LASK opens the two clubs’ UEFA Champions League 2026/27 league-phase campaign on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. The fixture brings the Greek champions back to the competition proper after a seven-season absence, while LASK are making their debut at this stage of the Champions League.
This encounter promises to be a tactical battle as both teams look to make a strong statement on Matchday 1. For South African football fans, the early kick-off also provides a chance to follow one of the opening fixtures before the later Champions League matches begin.
AEK Athens vs LASK venue and kick-off time
The match will be played at AEK Athens’ home stadium in Nea Filadelfeia, Athens. AEK currently refer to the venue as the ALLWYN Arena, while UEFA lists it as AEK Arena for the competition.
| Match detail | Information |
| Fixture | AEK Athens vs LASK |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League 2026/27 – League phase, Matchday 1 |
| Date | Tuesday, 8 September 2026 |
| Kick-off | 18:45 SAST |
| Venue | ALLWYN Arena / AEK Arena, Athens, Greece |
| Referee | Luis Godinho (Portugal) |
READ ALSO : Europa League third qualifying round
AEK Athens vs LASK team news
Team news is one of the biggest changes from the earlier draft. UEFA’s Matchday 1 update lists no AEK Athens players as out or doubtful, giving coach Marko Nikolic a strong group to choose from for the opener. Thomas Strakosha, Lazaros Rota, Harold Moukoudi, Razvan Marin, Lovro Majer, Barnabas Varga and Luka Jovic are among the players included in UEFA’s predicted XI.
LASK arrive with more uncertainty. UEFA lists Sasa Kalajdzic as out on fitness grounds and Samuel Adeniran as doubtful because of a facial issue. Dietmar Kühbauer’s side can still call on players such as Moses Usor, Robert Ljubicic, Melayro Bogarde, George Bello and Maximilian Entrup as they prepare for a demanding first league-phase match.
AEK Athens vs LASK head-to-head and current form
This will be the first competitive meeting between AEK Athens and LASK. UEFA also notes that it will be LASK’s first match against a Greek club, so there is no direct head-to-head record to use as a guide.
Current form gives the fixture more useful context. AEK have been difficult to beat and recently recorded convincing wins, including 5-0 against Aris Thessaloniki and 4-0 against Levski Sofia. LASK have also produced a strong run, beating Wolfsberger AC 3-1 and Altach 3-0 before a 6-1 Austrian Cup win. Their Champions League qualification was especially dramatic: after losing 3-0 away to Celtic, LASK won the return leg 5-1 to reach the league phase.
Key players and tactical angles
For AEK Athens, the attacking quality of Luka Jovic and Barnabas Varga gives the home side a direct goal threat, while Razvan Marin and Lovro Majer can influence the tempo from midfield. Marko Nikolic has generally had enough attacking options to vary the way AEK build and finish moves, which could be important against a LASK side comfortable defending in numbers.
LASK’s tactical challenge will be to stay compact without becoming pinned back for long periods. Robert Ljubicic and Melayro Bogarde can be important in midfield transitions, while Moses Usor offers pace higher up the pitch. The visitors showed against Celtic that they can respond aggressively when a tie turns against them, but the atmosphere in Athens should provide a very different test.
How to watch AEK Athens vs LASK in South Africa
UEFA lists SuperSport as the official Champions League broadcast partner in South Africa for the 2026/27 season. Viewers should check the latest SuperSport schedule for the specific channel carrying AEK Athens vs LASK.
For changing match information, including confirmed line-ups, live scores and match statistics, supporters can follow the game through the SP Score app. For the wider competition schedule and format, see SportPesa South Africa’s 2026/27 UEFA Champions League guide.
AEK Athens vs LASK odds on SportPesa South Africa
SportPesa South Africa lists AEK Athens vs LASK among today’s UEFA Champions League matches. At the time of verification on 8 September 2026, the 3-Way market showed the following prices:
| Selection | Odds |
| AEK Athens | 1.80 |
| Draw | 4.10 |
| LASK Linz | 4.00 |
Odds can change before kick-off. Eligible adults can check the latest available markets on the SportPesa South Africa Today Games page. Bet responsibly and only stake what you can afford to lose.
FAQs about AEK Athens vs LASK
When is AEK Athens vs LASK?
The Champions League match is scheduled for Tuesday, 8 September 2026.
What time is AEK Athens vs LASK in South Africa?
Kick-off is scheduled for 18:45 SAST.
Where is AEK Athens vs LASK being played?
The match will be played at AEK Athens’ home stadium in Athens, currently known as the ALLWYN Arena. UEFA lists the venue as AEK Arena.
Have AEK Athens and LASK played before?
No. UEFA confirms that this is the first competitive meeting between the two clubs.
Where can I follow AEK Athens vs LASK live?
South African viewers can check SuperSport for broadcast coverage, while SP Score can be used for changing line-ups, live scores and match statistics.
READ ALSO : UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round Results and Play-Off Fixtures
Conclusion
AEK Athens vs LASK is one of the opening fixtures of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 league phase, with kick-off set for 18:45 SAST on 8 September. AEK return to this stage after seven seasons away, while LASK begin their first campaign in the competition proper after a memorable qualifying comeback against Celtic. With no previous competitive meeting between the clubs, current form, team availability and the atmosphere in Athens provide the clearest context for the match.
