AEK Athens take half-time lead against LASK in Champions League opener

AEK Athens lead LASK 1-0 at half-time in their opening match of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaign, with Razvan Marin’s goal separating the sides on Tuesday evening.

The Greek side made the breakthrough in the 21st minute, when Romanian midfielder Marin found the net to give the hosts the advantage.

It remains the only goal of the opening half, but it has given AEK Athens a valuable lead as they head into the interval. Marin’s finish has so far proved decisive in a closely contested start to the clubs’ European campaigns.

AEK Athens began the match with Harold Moukoudi and Aboubakary Koita in their starting line-up. Their presence will be important in the second half as the home side look to protect their advantage and secure a significant victory in their first match of the competition.

The hosts now have a narrow lead to defend. A single goal separates the teams, meaning AEK Athens cannot afford to lose concentration after the restart if they are to complete the result their first-half performance has put within reach.

For LASK, the task is clear. The Austrian side must offer a greater attacking threat in the second half if they are to get back into the match and prevent AEK Athens from taking all three points.

The 1-0 scoreline reflects the impact of the early breakthrough. AEK Athens had been unable to establish a wider advantage before the interval, while LASK remain within one goal of levelling the contest.

Marin’s 21st-minute strike has therefore given the Greek club the stronger position at half-time, but the outcome remains undecided. AEK Athens will return for the second period seeking to preserve their lead, while LASK will need to find a response after the break.

With the match being played on the opening day of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League, victory would represent an important start for AEK Athens. For LASK, a comeback would change the direction of the game after Marin’s goal left them trailing at the interval.