AEK: Touched the transcendence, now looking at Levadiakos
AEK came within a breath of a great European result, as they looked Real Madrid in the eye.
AEK came within a breath of a great European result, as they looked Real Madrid in the eye, led twice, but ultimately suffered a 2-3 defeat in Nea Filadelfeia for the 4th matchday of the Champions League League Phase.
The Union delivered an excellent performance in their 100th game at the ALLWYN Arena and held onto the point until injury time. An impressive shot by Valverde in the 90+2', however, gave the "queen" the victory and left Marco Nikolic's team with the bitterness of a great missed opportunity.
Explosive start and a great goal by Koita
AEK entered the game without fear and threatened in just the 4th minute, with Courtois saving Gacinovic's effort with his feet.
The goal came in the 12th minute. Koita found space inside the area and with a powerful shot into the near corner beat the Belgian goalkeeper, setting Nea Filadelfeia on fire.
Real gradually increased their pressure and saw Bellingham's goal disallowed for offside in the 28th minute. Four minutes later, however, the English midfielder scored with an impressive backheel and brought the match level.
Led again, Real responded immediately
AEK withstood the pressure from the Madrilenians and managed to take the lead again in the 75th minute. Koita cleverly passed the ball inside the area and Pilios finished from close range for 2-1.
The joy of the "yellow and blacks" lasted only three minutes. In the 78th minute, Dumfries crossed from the right side and Mbappé slotted into an empty net, equalizing at 2-2.
The French forward came close to a comeback in the 86th minute, but Brignoli got just enough of the ball to send it to the post. AEK seemed to be holding onto the point, but in the 90+2' Valverde unleashed a powerful shot from outside the area and made it 2-3.
After the final whistle, tension arose, with Koita receiving a direct red card after an intense protest to the referee.
Out of the top 24, but still alive
After the completion of the 4th matchday, AEK remained on three points and dropped to 29th place in the League Phase. They are outside the top 24, but still have chances of qualifying, with four games remaining.
The Union's next European challenge is scheduled for November 24, when they will face Como away from home.
Return to the championship with Levadiakos
AEK is called to immediately put the disappointment behind them and turn their attention to the Stoiximan Super League. On Sunday (08/11, 17:00) they host Levadiakos at the ALLWYN Arena for the 10th matchday, with victory being the only option after the defeat to Panathinaikos at OAKA.