AEK prepares for Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk

AEK prepares to face Shakhtar Donetsk at Stamford Bridge in London for the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League League Phase. AEK head coach Marko Nikolić emphasized the high level of difficulty of the match, noting the quality of Shakhtar's Brazilian players. He expressed confidence in his squad and highlighted the importance of the expected 10,000 AEK supporters in attendance to provide inspiration.

Nikolić confirmed that striker Barnabas Varga has recovered from injury and is ready to participate. Additionally, Oleksandr Zubkov, who previously played for Shakhtar, expressed that facing his former club provides extra motivation. Due to a dense schedule involving a subsequent match against Manchester City in England, Nikolić has opted for a unique strategy, keeping the entire squad in England for a full week to maintain cohesion and focus.

Shakhtar Donetsk coach Arda Turan praised AEK as an excellent team. The match is part of a broader Champions League schedule that includes high-profile fixtures such as Manchester City vs. Paris Saint-Germain.