Aberdeen have never won any of their three previous meetings with Greek opposition, beaten by Panathinaikos in 2007, albeit they did hold PAOK to a 2-2 draw in Thessaloniki two seasons ago.
AEK Athens meantime have never lost a home game against Scottish clubs, winning four out of five, most recently beating Celtic 2-1 at the Spyros Louis Olympic Stadium in 2018.
AEK Athens vs Aberdeen preview
After a nightmare start to this campaign, are Aberdeen starting to build some momentum? Jimmy Thelin's team yielded just a solitary point from their first six Scottish Premiership matches, failing to score a single goal in any of them. However, either side of the international break, the Dons have enjoyed back-to-back victories, first demolishing Dundee 4-0 at Pittodrie. Then, on Saturday, Marko Lazetić's sublime solo strike in the 96th minute snatched a 1-0 victory over St Mirren in Paisley.
So now, can the Scottish Cup winners get their European campaign up and running? Back in August, Thelin's team were beaten in the Europa League play-off round by Steaua București, fighting back from two down to earn a draw at home, before being smashed 3-0 at Arena Națională.
On the opening night of the Conference League, despite taking the lead through Jesper Karlsson's spot-kick, they found themselves 3-1 down at home to Shakhtar Donetsk. Nicky Devlin's header did set up a grand-stand finish, but no equaliser was forthcoming. After this, the Dons' remaining games are against AEK Larnaca, Noah, Strasbourg and Sparta Prague, making every point precious, so can they claim an historic victory in one of the most historic cities on the planet?
As for AEK Athens, having finished fourth in last season's Greek Super League, they came through three rounds of qualifying just to get into the league phase, ousting Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Aris Limassol and then Anderlecht, the latter a major surprise. However, on matchday one, they were beaten 3-1 by Slovenian side Celje, despite taking an early lead though Dereck Kutesa at Stadion Z'dežele.
Meantime, on Sunday night, Marko Nikolić's team suffered their first league defeat of the campaign, beaten 2-0 by PAOK at home, with Harold Moukoud's late red card compounding a miserable night. This has seen the Yellow and Blacks slide down to third, ahead of Sunday night's crucial clash with fierce rivals and serial champions Olympiacos. Here though, the newly-built Agia Sophia Stadium will be rocking, so will AEK Athens prove too strong for Aberdeen in this Conference League clash?
AEK Athens vs Aberdeen head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
AEK Athens team news
Alexander Callens and Roberto Pereyra are injured, while Gerasimos Mitoglou, Moses Odubajo, Robert Ljubičić and Dimitris Kaloskamis are among those not in the UEFA squad.
In terms of who will feature, Albanian international Thomas Strakosha is a vastly-experienced goalkeeper, while the same can be said of centre-back Domagoj Vida, who has 105 caps for Croatia.
João Mário will be their creator in chief, while left-back James Penrice joined AEK Athens from Hearts in the summer, although could be on the bench, with Stavros Pilios the usual first-choice.
AEK Athens predicted lineup vs Aberdeen: (4-2-3-1): Strakosha; Rota, Vida, Moukoudi, Pillos; Marin, Grujić, João Mário, Koïta, Kutesa; Jović.
AEK Athens player to watch vs Aberdeen
Striker Luka Jović joined Real Madrid from Eintracht Frankfurt for €60 million back in 2019. The season before he scored 27 goals, but has bagged only 35 across stints at five different clubs during the subsequent six years. He did scored the extra time clincher against Aris Limassol during Conference League qualifying in August, so Aberdeen will have to be wary.
Aberdeen team news
Jimmy Thelin is without centre-back Kristers Tobers due to long-term injury, but Kjartan Már Kjartansson was back on the bench on Saturday, yet to feature this season.
Meantime, summer signing Stuart Armstrong will keep his place in midfield, while Marko Lazetić's winner at the weekend could see him lead the line, chosen over Kevin Nisbet.
Aberdeen predicted lineup vs AEK Athens: (3-4-3): Mitov; Milne, Knoester, Devlin; Jensen, Shinnie, Armstrong, Keskinen; Karlsson, Aouchiche, Lazetić.
Aberdeen player to watch vs AEK Athens
Club captain Graeme Shinnie will make his 313th appearance for Aberdeen, of which 28 have come in UEFA competition, still an integral figure at the age of 34.
AEK Athens vs Aberdeen prediction
We are backing AEK Athens for victory at Agia Sophia Stadium, likely to prove just about too strong for Aberdeen, given the quality at the home team's disposal: AEK Athens 2-0 Aberdeen.
AEK Athens vs Aberdeen FAQs - UEFA Conference League
How to watch AEK Athens vs Aberdeen in the Conference League on TV channel?
AEK Athens vs Aberdeen in the Conference League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 3
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch AEK Athens vs Aberdeen in the Conference League on live streaming?
AEK Athens vs Aberdeen in the Conference League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for AEK Athens vs Aberdeen in the Conference League?
AEK Athens vs Aberdeen takes place on Thursday 23 October 2025, with kick off at 17:45 (BST), 12:45 (EDT) & 9:45 (PDT).