AEK Athens eliminated from Europa Conference League by Rayo Vallecano

AEK Athens was eliminated from the 2025/26 Europa Conference League following a home match against Rayo Vallecano at the Allwyn Arena. Despite a strong performance where AEK leveled the aggregate score to 3-0 with two goals from Zini and a penalty from Marin, a late goal by Isi Palazón sealed the result for the Spanish side. AEK had previously lost the first leg in Madrid by a 3-0 scoreline, making the comeback attempt difficult. Coach Marko Nikolic had emphasized faith and unity leading up to the match, aiming to overcome the deficit against the La Liga opponent. The team played without the injured Petros Mantalos and the suspended Luka Jovic. With this victory, Rayo Vallecano advanced to the semifinals to face Strasbourg, who secured their spot by overturning a deficit against Mainz.