AFCON 2025
The Europa Conference League delivered an evening of intense football action on February 20, 2025, featuring unexpected outcomes, thrilling comebacks, and moments of high drama.
From narrow escapes to decisive victories, the matches showcased the unpredictable nature of European football’s emerging tournament.
Heidenheim 1 – 3 FC Copenhagen (Agg 4-3)
After securing a 2-1 victory in the first leg in Copenhagen, Heidenheim faced a resilient Copenhagen at home. Despite Leonardo Scienza’s 74th-minute goal leveling the aggregate score, the match extended into extra time.
Copenhagen’s Rodrigo Huescas nettedthe decisive goal in the 114th minute, leading to a 3-1 win on the night and a 4-3 aggregate triumph, thus eliminating Heidenheim from the competition.
Real Betis 0-1 Gent (Aggregate: 3-1)
Despite a 1-0 home defeat to Gent, Real Betis advanced comfortably to the Round of 16, thanks to their commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini rotated his squad, resting key players like Isco. Gent’s Archie Brown scored the lone goal in stoppage time but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit.
Betis now await the draw to determine whether they will face Chelsea or Vitória Guimarães in the next round.
Olimpija Ljubljana 0-0 Borac Banja Luka (Aggregate: 0-1)
The match between Olimpija Ljubljana and Borac Banja Luka was marred by crowd disturbances, leading to a suspension in the 86th minute as fans hurled flares at each other.
Despite the chaotic scenes and a goalless draw, Borac’s 1-0 first-leg victory ensured their advancement to the last 16. Both clubs are expected to face UEFA investigations following the incidents.
APOEL Nicosia 0-2 NK Celje (Agg: 2-4)
A huge upset saw NK Celje eliminate Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia with a stunning away win.
Goals from Armandas Kučys and Tamar Svetlin secured a 2-0 victory in Cyprus, overturning the first-leg deficit and eliminating APOEL from the competition.
Jagiellonia 3-1 TSC Backa Topola (Agg: 6-2)
Polish champions Jagiellonia Białystok showcased their dominance with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Serbian side TSC.
Kristoffer Hansen opened the scoring, and despite an equalizer from Marko Lazetić, Jagiellonia pulled ahead with goals from Jesús Imaz and an own goal by Viktor Radojević, sealing their spot in the next round.
Pafos 2-1 Omonia (Agg 3-2)
Pafos edged out Omonia Nicosia with a 2-1 victory at the Alphamega Stadium, securing their progression with a 3-2 aggregate score.
The home side took the lead in the 28th minute through Bruno Felipe. Omonia responded in the 60th minute when Stevan Jovetić equalized, assisted by Andreas Kakoullis.
However, Pafos regained the advantage just five minutes later, as Jonathan Silva found the net with help from Muamer Tanković. Despite Omonia’s efforts, Pafos held firm to advance to the next round.
Panathinaikos 2-0 Víkingur (Aggregate: 3-2)
Summary: Greek giants Panathinaikos overturned a first-leg deficit by defeating Icelandic visitors Víkingur Reykjavík 2-0 in Athens. The victory ensured their progression to the Round of 16, keeping their European aspirations alive.
Shamrock Rovers 0-1 Molde (Aggregate: 1-1; Molde won 5-4 on penalties)
In a nail-biting encounter at Tallaght Stadium, Shamrock Rovers faced Norwegian side Molde. Magnus Wolff Eikrem’s early goal in the 10th minute leveled the aggregate score, leading to a tense penalty shootout.
Molde’s goalkeeper, Jacob Karlstrom, emerged as the hero by saving Aaron Greene’s decisive penalty, ending Shamrock Rovers’ historic European run.
