Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Europa League Qualifying match.
AEK Larnaca have maintained solid form on home soil throughout their European campaign, while Legia Warsaw remain unbeaten this season. The first leg will be held at AEK Arena, where the hosts have recorded victories in both of their continental fixtures so far.
AEK Larnaca
AEK Larnaca earned their return to European competition by winning the Cyprus Cup, despite finishing fourth in the domestic championship. In the previous round, the squad edged past NK Celje with a 3:2 aggregate win, having earlier eliminated FK Partizan on penalties — in both cases, the decisive results were achieved at home. This marks their eighth appearance in European tournaments, though AEK Larnaca have only reached the group stage three times. This season, they look well-organised but still show defensive frailties, having conceded in three of their last four official games.
Legia Warsaw
Legia Warsaw are currently enjoying a 10-match unbeaten streak (seven wins and three draws), including their UEFA Europa League qualification fixtures, in which they saw off FC Aktobe (2:0 on aggregate) and FC Baník Ostrava (4:3 on aggregate). In domestic competition, the team began with a goalless draw against Arka Gdynia, but they clearly hold the edge in terms of squad depth and European experience. Legia Warsaw previously reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in the 1990s and progressed to the UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-finals last season.
AEK Larnaca vs Legia Warsaw Prediction
AEK Larnaca have been reliable at home, but Legia Warsaw possess superior attacking options and are unlikely to be overwhelmed. Given the current form of both sides, a match where both teams score appears highly likely.
