AEK Athens FC vs Antwerp Prediction (30.08.2023)

After weeks and weeks of qualifying rounds, it’s all come down to this as we arrive at the play-offs. A parade of clubs across Europe are hoping to book their ticket to the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, but they’ve got one last step to go before they can get there. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the second leg clash between AEK Athens and Royal Antwerp.

There’s always a struggle for power going on at the top of the Greek Super League and last season, AEK Athens won that battle and they did so fairly emphatically. Now, the big question is whether or not they can translate that into consistent success in Europe. They’ve got the pedigree necessary to make some waves, but there’s still a lot of hard work ahead of them.

AEK were left to scratch their heads in confusion after the first leg after they somehow came away with nothing from their trip to take on Antwerp. They had 64% possession with 23 shots, and they were up against 10 men - yet they lost 1-0. Baffling.

Last season, Royal Antwerp took what they believe to be their rightful place back at the top of the mountain. They are once again the champions of Belgium and when you take a look at their squad, it becomes clear why. They’ve taken their time in doing so but they’re ready to be back in the big time, and it’ll be interesting to see how they insert European football into that picture.

The power of Antwerp’s home support is surely one of the biggest factors behind their win over AEK in the first leg, given they only had seven shots and played most of the second half with a man sent off. Their defensive resilience, of course, also has to be praised.

The big problem for AEK in the first leg was that it was “one of those nights” in front of goal - but more often than not, lightning doesn’t strike twice in a two-legged tie, especially in Europe. It’ll be another entertaining game but this time, AEK Athens will walk away with the win.