AFCON 2025
The UEFA Conference League produced another dramatic night of football on Thursday, with big wins for Fiorentina and AEK Athens standing out among a string of hard-fought draws and narrow results across Europe.
In Vienna, Fiorentina were ruthless on the road, defeating Rapid Wien 3–0 to make it two wins from two. Cher Ndour opened the scoring early after a goalkeeping error, before Edin Džeko doubled the lead shortly after the restart. Icelandic forward Albert Guðmundsson completed the rout late on, sealing a convincing win that showcased the Italian side’s attacking depth and control.
AEK Athens were equally dominant, thrashing Aberdeen 6–0 in Greece in what was one of the heaviest defeats ever suffered by the Scottish club in European competition. Aboubakary Koïta netted twice inside the opening 20 minutes, with Niclas Eliasson, Răzvan Marin, Luka Jović and Derek Kutesa adding further goals as Jimmy Thelin’s side collapsed defensively.
Elsewhere, Strasbourg were held 1–1 at home by Poland’s Jagiellonia Białystok despite having nearly 70% possession and 25 shots. Dušan Stojinović gave the visitors a shock lead early in the second half, before Joaquín Panichelli’s late strike rescued a point for the French side.
In Kosovo, Drita and Omonia Nicosia shared the spoils in another 1–1 draw. The hosts struck first, but the Cypriot visitors equalised before half-time in a tight encounter that leaves both teams still seeking their first win of the group stage.
Macedonian side Shkëndija claimed a dramatic 1–0 victory over Shelbourne, courtesy of a stoppage-time own goal from defender Paddy Barrett. The Irish side, down to ten men after injuries and substitutions, looked set for a point until the cruel late twist.
Elsewhere, BK Häcken and Rayo Vallecano played out a lively 2–2 draw in Sweden, Legia Warszawa secured a surprise 2–1 win away at Shakhtar Donetsk, while AZ Alkmaar edged Slovan Bratislava 1–0 to stay top of their group.
It was a night defined by contrasting fortunes — Fiorentina and AEK Athens flying high, while sides like Aberdeen and Shelbourne endured European heartbreak. With two rounds gone, the competition is already shaping up to deliver another unpredictable and entertaining campaign.
