Phil Blacker Commentates AEK Athens vs Celje: Watch Live on discovery+ UK

Match date: 19 March 2026

Phil Blacker Commentates AEK Athens vs Celje: Watch Live on discovery+ UK

Football fans in the UK tuning into the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 second leg can catch AEK Athens hosting NK Celje live on discovery+ UK tonight at 17:45 UK time. With AEK Athens holding a commanding 4-0 aggregate lead from the first leg triumph in Slovenia, this clash at the OPAP Arena in Athens promises to be a procession for the Greek giants, but viewers won't want to miss the expert commentary from seasoned voice Phil Blacker. As the go-to broadcaster for European football on discovery+, Blacker brings decades of insight to the microphone, making this the perfect way for British audiences to follow the action without missing a beat.

Phil Blacker's career spans over four decades in football broadcasting, beginning with stints at talkSPORT and Sky Sports before becoming a staple on TNT Sports and discovery+ for Champions League and Conference League coverage. A former non-league player himself with clubs like Corinthian-Casuals, Blacker's passion for the game shines through his enthusiastic and knowledgeable delivery. He's covered major tournaments including the World Cup and Euros, earning praise for his ability to blend tactical analysis with the drama of live football. Tonight, his commentary will guide UK viewers through what could be a clinical finish from AEK Athens, who sit third in the Conference League standings with 18 goals scored in the group phase.

The world feed production ensures high-quality coverage, streamed seamlessly on discovery+ UK for subscribers. While ITV, BBC, Sky, or TNT aren't involved in this tie – rights for the Conference League resting with discovery+ in the UK – it's an accessible option for fans craving midweek European action. AEK Athens, under coach Marko Nikolic, dominated the first leg with a 4-0 rout, overturning a prior 3-1 group stage loss to Celje. Star forward Aboubakar Koita leads the scoring charts with five goals, supported by the defensive solidity of Thomas Strakosha in goal, who boasts two clean sheets.

NK Celje, from Slovenia's PrvaLiga, face an uphill battle. Despite a spirited campaign that saw them reach the knockout phase, their 13th-place standing and leaky defence – conceding 15 goals – make progression unlikely. Key man Svit Seslar has two goals, but the aggregate deficit looms large. Earlier meetings add intrigue: Celje stunned AEK 3-1 in the league phase on 2 October 2025, but AEK's revenge in the first leg was emphatic. For British viewers, this match highlights the Conference League's role in unearthing underdog stories, much like West Ham's triumphant 2023 campaign.

Expect AEK Athens to rotate squad amid domestic commitments in the Greek Super League, where they've notched recent wins like 4-0 over Levadiakos. Players like Orbelín Pineda and Petros Mantalos could shine, providing Blacker ample material for his incisive breakdowns. Celje's Zan-Luk Leban in goal will be tested early, with AEK's attack averaging over two goals per game. Odds heavily favour the hosts at -370 on the moneyline, per ESPN, underscoring the mismatch.

History favours AEK in European ties at home, and with the tie all but secured, focus may shift to quarter-final aspirations. British fans can draw parallels to domestic sides navigating Europa's third tier, appreciating the competition's growth. Tune in via discovery+ UK to hear Phil Blacker narrate potential fireworks – or a Greek masterclass. For more on AEK Athens' European pedigree, check out their profile on the UEFA website.

As the whistle blows at the OPAP Arena, don't miss this Conference League showdown. With Blacker's expert eye, it's essential viewing for UK football enthusiasts tracking the road to the final in Poland.

Article generated: 19 March 2026, 17:36 GMT