AEK Athens vs Universitatea Craiova prediction, H2H and probable lineups - December 18, 2025
One of the decisive fixtures of the final round in the Conference League group stage will take place on Thursday at OPAP Arena in Athens, where the local side AEK hosts Universitatea Craiova. I’m offering a bet on the outcome of this clash, as both teams risk missing out on a playoff spot should they slip up.
Match preview
The Greek club put together an impressive run to reach the group stage, defeating three tough opponents in qualifying. In the main draw, AEK suffered a surprising loss to Celje in the opener, but quickly found their rhythm, dispatching both Aberdeen and Fiorentina. The away victory over Samsunspor proved especially crucial, propelling the team back to the top of the group.
AEK have been consistently finding the net in the Conference League—averaging nearly two goals per match—while their defense concedes less than one per game. On home turf, they play entertaining, balanced football, making them clear favorites for the upcoming encounter. However, even with the home advantage, Athens cannot afford to relax—a defeat could spell elimination.
The Romanian side have been one of the surprise packages of qualifying, especially with two wins over Istanbul. Although the group stage didn’t start ideally, Craiova quickly adapted and claimed six points from clashes against Rapid and Mainz. True, a home defeat to Sparta slightly dampened their momentum, but overall Craiova’s form commands respect.
This team isn’t afraid to play on the road—they press aggressively and know how to get a result. Their scoring average matches AEK’s, though the Romanian defense occasionally falters. The visitors are highly motivated: with favorable results elsewhere, they could not only progress to the playoffs but also climb up the group standings.
Probable lineups
- AEK Athens: Strakosha, Pilios, Relvas, Mukudi, Rota, Pereira, Marin, Pineda, Gacinovic, Jovic, Koita
- Universitatea Craiova: Isenko, Rus, Romanchuk, Screciu, Bancu, Bayaram, Cicaldau, Belutza, Mekvabishvili, Mogos, Nsimba
Match facts and head-to-head
- AEK have lost just one of their eleven Conference League matches this season.
- Universitatea have won two of their last three Conference League games.
- The sides last met in 2019: the Greeks advanced by winning away and drawing at home.
Prediction
This promises to be a tense and high-scoring affair. AEK cannot afford to drop points at home, while Craiova will be forced to attack if they want to keep their European hopes alive. Neither defense is flawless, and both attacking lines have been reliable all campaign. Given all this, the best bet looks to be on “over 2.5 goals” at odds of 1.93.
