AEK Athens secured a dominant 3-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Alwyn Arena, driven by a Zini double that dismantled the Spanish side's defensive efforts.
The Europa Conference League clash arrived with both teams seeking to establish their footing in the tournament. AEK Athens entered the fixture focused on home advantage, while Rayo Vallecano arrived looking to build on their early momentum.
The hosts wasted little time asserting control. In the 13th minute, Zini broke the deadlock, finding space inside the area to slot home the opener and ignite the home crowd.
Rayo struggled to contain the pressure as the half progressed. Their difficulties worsened in the 36th minute when a defensive error led to a penalty, which Razvan Marin calmly converted to double the AEK lead.
Discipline proved difficult for the visitors throughout the first period. Ilias Akhomach and Unai Lopez both received yellow cards, highlighting the frustration Rayo felt while chasing the game.
The interval gave Rayo Vallecano a chance to regroup and adjust their tactical approach. They needed a swift 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 effectively putting the result beyond doubt.
Rayo Vallecano refused to collapse entirely, showing resilience in the face of a large deficit. Isi Palazon found a lifeline for the visitors in the 60th minute, firing home to narrow the gap to 3-1.
Despite this goal, AEK remained in command for the duration of the match. The Greek side managed possession well, limiting Rayo’s opportunities to mount a genuine comeback.
Statistical analysis highlights the disparity in performance. AEK finished with 21 shots compared to Rayo’s nine, reflecting an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.87 against the visitors' 1.73.
Lazaros Rota stood out for the hosts, dictating play with five key passes and maintaining a high energy level throughout the 94 minutes. His influence ensured the home side maintained their rhythm until the final whistle.
This result leaves AEK Athens with a vital three points, significantly boosting their standing in the competition. Rayo Vallecano must now regroup as they prepare for their next European challenge.
