The UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round serves up an exciting clash as Cypriot side AEK Larnaca hosts Polish giants Legia Warszawa at the AEK Arena – Georgios Karapatakis. Both teams are fighting for a place in the play-off round, with the winner moving one step closer to the prestigious Europa League group stage. This fixture marks a new chapter in a budding rivalry, as both clubs have a strong European pedigree.
Match Details
- Competition: UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round (First Leg)
- Location: Larnaca, Cyprus
- Stadium: AEK Arena – Georgios Karapatakis
- Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 12:30 PM ET / 6:30 PM CEST
- Referee: N/A
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
The historical head-to-head record between AEK Larnaca and Legia Warszawa is limited, with only one previous competitive meeting. This history will surely be on the minds of both teams, adding an extra layer of intensity to this encounter. However, both teams’ recent form and current tactical approaches will be the most important factors heading into this match.
AEK Larnaca:
AEK Larnaca has been in decent form, with a number of high-scoring results in their recent matches. They secured a vital 2-1 aggregate victory over NK Celje in the previous qualifying round of the Europa League, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Their attacking prowess has been on display, but their defensive vulnerabilities have been a cause for concern in some of their recent domestic matches. Playing at home, they will be looking to their passionate supporters to give them an extra boost and secure a positive result in this first leg.
- July 31, 2025: AEK Larnaca 2–1 NK Celje (Europa League Qualifying)
- July 24, 2025: NK Celje 1–1 AEK Larnaca (Europa League Qualifying)
- May 24, 2025: AEK Larnaca 0-0 Pafos (Cyprus Cup)
- May 18, 2025: Pafos 2–0 AEK Larnaca (Cypriot First Division)
Legia Warszawa:
Legia Warszawa comes into this qualifier with a strong run of form, with no losses in their last five matches. Their most recent outing was a 2-1 away loss to Baník Ostrava, which they still won on aggregate to advance. The Polish side has developed a reputation for playing a balanced, attacking brand of football. They will be confident coming into this match and will be looking to score a crucial away goal to give them an advantage for the second leg.
- August 3, 2025: Legia Warszawa 0–0 Arka Gdynia (Polish Ekstraklasa)
- July 31, 2025: Legia Warszawa 2–1 Baník Ostrava (Europa League Qualifying)
- July 27, 2025: Korona Kielce 0–2 Legia Warszawa (Polish Ekstraklasa)
- July 24, 2025: Baník Ostrava 2–2 Legia Warszawa (Europa League Qualifying)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
This match is expected to be a test of AEK Larnaca’s home advantage against Legia Warszawa’s attacking prowess. AEK Larnaca will likely start the game with a balanced formation, possibly a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, to ensure defensive stability while maintaining the potential for quick counter-attacks. They will aim to create chances by playing through their forwards and using their home crowd to their advantage. Legia Warszawa, under their new manager, often employs a high-pressing, attacking style of play, which could pose significant challenges for the AEK Larnaca defense. The battle in midfield will be key, and the performance of key players on both sides will be a major factor in the final result. The match is poised to be an open and exciting affair with a high potential for goals.
How to Watch AEK Larnaca vs. Legia Warszawa on TV
| Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
| Cyprus | N/A |
| Poland | N/A |
| United States | beIN SPORTS |
| United Kingdom | N/A |
In the United States, the match will be broadcast live on beIN SPORTS. For other regions, broadcasting information is not yet confirmed. It is also common for some clubs to provide live streams on their official websites or YouTube channels for European qualifiers, so it is worth checking those sources.
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
