Nine-man AEK ousted by Omonia

Misery continued for Greek clubs as AEK’s 2-2 draw with AC Omonia was not enough to keep the Athenian club alive in the UEFA Cup. A bad week for AEK continued tonight in the Cypriot capital, as the loss from a fortnight ago only added to the Omonia lead, as the ‘Enosi’ fell 3-2 on aggregate.  Omonia Nicosia, meanwhile, made sure the Cypriot celebrations continued, as the win comes just a day after Anorthosis Famagusta shocked Greek Champions Olympiacos.

Omonia surged ahead on eleven minutes thanks to a defensive error from Angelos Basinas, and a classy finish from Klodian Duro shocked the visitors. It was nearly 2-0 when Duro’s free-kick smashed against the crossbar. Despite being rattled, AEK held its composure and were rewarded when Basinas’ free-kick was met by the head of Ismael Blanco, and the club’s leading scorer from last year, pulled AEK level and only behind by one on aggregate.

There was more misery in store for AEK shortly after the restart; Ignacio Scocco was called for a dive, and the club’s summer signing was sent off on his second booking of the night. Managing to hold their own, AEK continued to challenge for a second goal, despite being a man short. The advantage showed twenty minutes before time. Duro latched on to a pass from Ioannis Okkas, and the man of the match added his second goal of the game. Michalis Pavlis pulled one back for AEK two minutes before time, but a further sending off – this time a straight red for Juanfran – surely ended AEK’s UEFA Cup.

The final whistle only confirmed the result, a historic one for the home side who joins rivals APOEL FC as Cypriot representatives in the next round. As for AEK, they join Aris FC as the two sides head for an early European exit.

AC Omonia 2-2 AEK Athens FC

AEK Athens FC (Georgios Donis): Saja, Ramos, Kyrgiakos, Majstorovic, Juanfran, Basinas, Rikka (75′ Zorbas), Kafes (75′ Lagos), Edinho (79′ Pavlis), Blanco, Scocco.