Ekuban's hat-trick away at the OAKA Spyros Louis Stadium gives Trabzonspor the edge ahead of the second leg match at home in Turkey.
Ekuban scored in the 29th, 44th and 70th minute while Livaja netted a goal for AEK in the 4th minute.
Ekuban, 25, will in the coming weeks face a fight for a starting spot after Trabzonspor signed former Liverpool and England forward Daniel Sturridge on a three-year deal this week. However, such performances are sure to leave him in the good books of the coaches at the club.
Trabzonspor qualified for the playoffs after eliminating Czech side Sparta Prague while AEK eliminated Romania's Universitatea Craiova to advance the playoff round.
The second leg will be played in Trabzon, northern Turkey on August 29.
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