AEK faces squad depletion due to injuries and recent European defeat

AEK Larnaca is currently dealing with a series of significant injuries that have severely impacted the team's depth this season. Key players including Chacon, Roden, Cabrera, Amin, and Saborit have been sidelined for extended periods, leaving the team with limited options, particularly in the striker and playmaker positions. Despite these roster challenges, the team maintains second place in the domestic league standings. Concurrently, AEK suffered a defeat in a recent European competition match against Rayo Vallecano. The match was decided by a penalty kick awarded for a handball, which the referee interpreted as an intentional block. AEK failed to capitalize on defensive weaknesses shown by the Spanish side during the first half. Midfielder Jovic will miss the return leg at the Allwyn Arena due to a yellow card suspension. The coaching staff faces criticism regarding lineup decisions, specifically the separation of the Marin and Pineda partnership.