Aberdeen Suffers Record European Defeat Against AEK Athens

Aberdeen Suffers Record European Defeat Against AEK Athens

Aberdeen Suffers Record European Defeat Against AEK Athens

Aberdeen faced their most significant European defeat to date, losing 6-0 to AEK Athens in Greece, marking their second consecutive loss in the Conference League.

This defeat surpasses previous heavy losses, including a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in 1980 and 5-1 losses to Bayern Munich and Sigma Olomouc in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

Despite a promising start for Jimmy Thelin's rejuvenated squad, Aberdeen quickly fell behind when Aboubakary Koita scored with a low shot from the edge of the box into the far corner of Dimitar Mitov's net.

Aberdeen's defense was severely tested, and Koita doubled AEK's lead just seven minutes later, finishing effortlessly into the far corner following a counter-attack.

The visitors' troubles continued as they conceded a third goal before the 30-minute mark. After losing possession near their box, Nicky Devlin inadvertently deflected Niclas Eliasson’s shot into his own net.

AEK, featuring former Hearts left-back James Penrice, dominated the match, creating numerous scoring opportunities. They struck the post twice and were denied by Mitov from close range, with several attempts going wide—all in the first half.

The second half mirrored the first, with AEK maintaining control while Aberdeen struggled to find their footing. A stunning acrobatic goal from Razvan Marin made it 4-0, as he flicked the ball in after Frantzdy Pierrot hit the post.

Luka Jovic, a former Real Madrid forward, added a fifth goal, capitalizing on a mistake by Mitov to score from close range. Derek Kutesa completed the rout with the sixth goal, finishing a long pass deep in Aberdeen's half.

Although Aberdeen had a few moments of hope, with Marko Lazetic and Tete Yengi forcing saves from Thomas Strakosha, they failed to find any consolation goals.

Analysis: Aberdeen Exposed and Embarrassed

Aberdeen had recently found success in their domestic campaign, securing back-to-back league victories against Dundee and St Mirren. However, this performance starkly contrasted with their recent form.

This match became record-breaking for all the wrong reasons.

Thelin's side began with attacking intent but quickly fell apart after Koita opened the scoring just 11 minutes in. From that point on, AEK relentlessly attacked, often leaving Aberdeen's defense vulnerable.

The defensive frailties were compounded by a lack of creativity in attack, leaving Aberdeen with much to address moving forward.

What’s Next?

Aberdeen will aim to build on their domestic success when they host Hibernian on Sunday at 14:30 GMT, followed by a trip to Kilmarnock three days later at 19:30.

Topics

Related news