UEFA Europa Conference League
7:00 p.mApril 16, 2026
Quarter finals
AEK Athens FC3 – 1
VAT:(2-0)
Added:(3-4)
Rayo Vallecano*Alwyn Arena
Referee: Espen Eskas, Norway
AEK Athens FC
Rayo Vallecano
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
2.87
Expected Goals (xG)
1.73
Passing by
298 (81%)
Accurate passes
148 (64%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
Substitutes
m
Niclas Eliasson
71′ Replaced by D. Light
81
G
Angelos Angelopoulos
91
G
Alberto Brignoli
15
d
Martin Georgiev
21
d
Damagos Life
29
d
James Penrice
m
Mijat Gacinovic
77′ Replaced by Zini
17
m
Dimitrios Kaloskamis
m
Roberto Pereyra
85′ Replaced by S. Pilios
13
G
August Batalla
7.2
3
d
Josep ChavarrÃa
6.2
5
d
Luis Felipe
6.2
24
d
Florian Lejeune
6.7
2
d
Andrei Ratiu
5.2
6
m
Pathé Ismaël Ciss
6.9
m
Unai López
44′ rough
18
m
Alvaro Garcia
6.3
m
Easy Palace (C)
60′
m
Elias Akhomach
19′ Unsportsmanlike conduct
19
F
Jorge de Fruits
6.2
UEFA Europa Conference League Classification – UEFA Conference League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – League Conference (Play Off: Round of 16)
- Promotion – League Conference (Play Off: 1/16 final)
AEK Atenes cruised to a dominant 3-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Alwyn Arena, powered by a Zini brace that dismantled the Spanish side’s defensive efforts.
The Europa Conference League clash came with both teams looking to establish themselves in the tournament. AEK Atenes went into the match focused on home advantage, while Rayo Vallecano arrived looking to regain their early momentum.
The hosts wasted little time in asserting control. In the 13th minute, Zini broke the deadlock and found space inside the area to score the first goal and ignite the home crowd.
Rayo struggled to contain the pressure as the half progressed. Their woes worsened in the 36th minute when a defensive error led to a penalty, which Razvan Marin calmly converted to double AEK’s lead.
Discipline proved difficult for the visitors in the first period. Ilias Akhomach and Unai López were shown yellow cards, highlighting the frustration felt by Rayo as they chased the game.
The break gave Rayo Vallecano the opportunity to regroup and adjust their tactical approach. They needed a quick response to stay competitive in the second half.
However, AEK continued their dominance immediately after the restart. Zini struck again in the 51st minute, his second goal of the night putting the result beyond doubt.
Rayo Vallecano refused to collapse completely, showing resilience in the face of a large deficit. Isi Palazon found a lifeline for the visitors in the 60th minute, firing home to reduce the gap to 3-1.
Despite this goal, AEK maintained control throughout the game. The Greek team managed possession well, limiting Rayo’s chances to make a real comeback.
Statistical analysis highlights the disparity in performance. AEK finished with 21 shots to Rayo’s nine, reflecting an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.87 against the visitors’ 1.73.
Lázaros Rota stood out for the home side, dictating play with five key passes and maintaining a high level of energy throughout the 94 minutes. His influence ensured the home side kept up their pace until the final whistle.
This result leaves AEK Athens with three vital points, significantly increasing their position in the competition. Now Rayo Vallecano must regroup to prepare for their next European challenge.
