Celje, Slovenia — AEK Athens dismantled NK Celje at Stadion Z'dezele, delivering a clinical four-goal performance in UEFA Conference League competition. The Greek side wasted no time asserting control, with the result never in doubt from the earliest stages.
Barnabás Varga struck in the 3rd minute to put AEK Athens ahead almost immediately, silencing the home crowd before the match had barely begun. Celje had no answer, and the visitors continued to press. Aboubakary Koïta doubled the advantage in the 33rd minute, and Mijat Gacinovic added a third just three minutes later in the 36th, sending AEK Athens into halftime with a commanding three-goal cushion.
Harold Moukoudi completed the scoring in the 49th minute, putting the result beyond any doubt shortly after the restart. Celje offered no meaningful response throughout, unable to find a way past the organized AEK Athens defensive and attacking structure.
GOALS:- 3' Barnabás Varga - AEK Athens- 33' Aboubakary Koïta - AEK Athens- 36' Mijat Gacinovic - AEK Athens- 49' Harold Moukoudi - AEK Athens
STANDOUT PLAYERS:- NK Celje: Milot Avdyli - sole Celje player to register a goal contribution in the data- AEK Athens: Barnabás Varga - opened scoring in the 3rd minute, constant attacking threat throughout
KEY STAT: AEK Athens scored 3 goals within a 16-minute span between the 33rd and 49th minutes, turning a one-goal lead into an insurmountable four-goal advantage.