AEK Athens faces difficult comeback against Rayo Vallecano in Conference League

AEK Athens faces a major challenge in the UEFA Conference League quarter-final second leg on April 16 after losing the first match 3-0 to Rayo Vallecano in Madrid. Reports regarding the goal scorers differ, with one source attributing goals to Muriqi (36', 40') and a third in the 65', while another report states Akouokou (2'), Lopez (45+2'), and Palazon (74' penalty) secured the win. AEK captain Petros Mantalos suffered a serious muscle injury during the first half and is ruled out for the return match and the upcoming derby against PAOK. Razvan Marin, who replaced Mantalos, is expected to be available despite fitness concerns. AEK manager Marko Nikolic remains optimistic about overturning the deficit at home, where nearly 32,000 fans are expected at the Allwyn Arena. Analysts at Football Meets Data estimate AEK's qualification chances at only 5.5%. Additionally, Luka Jovic is suspended for the second leg due to yellow card accumulation.