UEFA Conference League: Gyor Overcomes 2-1 Deficit, Wins 3-2 on Aggregate

Gyor stuns AIK with 2-0 win, advances in UEFA Conference League

Gyor pulls off a stunning comeback against AIK, winning 2-0 in the UEFA Conference League and advancing 3-2 on aggregate.

Gyor pulled off a stunning comeback against AIK, winning 2-0 on home soil and overcoming a 2-1 deficit from the first leg to advance 3-2 on aggregate in the UEFA Conference League Third Qualifying Round. This thrilling victory marked the end of AIK's European campaign for the season.

In the first leg, AIK dominated the match, securing a 2-1 lead that put them in a favorable position heading into the return leg. However, Gyor managed to grab a crucial lifeline, reducing the deficit and setting the stage for a dramatic comeback in Hungary. Gyor's 2-0 win in the second leg showcased their determination and skill, ultimately ending AIK's European aspirations.

Match Details:

• First Leg: AIK 2-1 Gyor
• Second Leg: Gyor 2-0 AIK
• Aggregate Score: Gyor 3-2 AIK

Upcoming Matches:

Gyor will face Rapid Wien or Dundee United in the next round, with matches scheduled for August 21 and 28, 2025.

The match got off to a lively start, with the Swedish side nearly scoring in the opening minutes. Claudiu Bumba's powerful half-volley hit the crossbar after being tipped by Kristoffer Nordfeldt, serving as a reminder that the tie was still very much alive.

Gyor took the lead after 34 minutes, with Zeljko Gavric scoring a stunning volley. Gavric cushioned a deep cross from Daniel Stefulj on the left, leveling the aggregate scores and giving Gyor a crucial advantage. The goal was well-deserved, reflecting Gyor's growing dominance in the match.

Gyor continued to press AIK, and their efforts paid off in a series of close calls. At the half-hour mark, Daniel Stefulj unleashed a powerful volley from a corner kick that Kristoffer Nordfeldt had to expertly parry. The home side's pressure was relentless, and they thought they'd been awarded a penalty when Dino Besirovic's pullback appeared to hit an AIK player in the box. However, VAR intervened, ruling that the contact occurred outside the penalty area, overturning the original decision.

Just before halftime, AIK's luck with refereeing decisions seemed to run out. Filip Benkovic headed in a corner kick taken by Aron Csongvai, but the goal was disallowed due to Csongvai allegedly climbing on his marker. The decision was contentious, and Gyor's players were left frustrated that they couldn't take the 2-0 lead into the break.

AIK är utslagna ur kvalspelet till Uefa Conference League 2025/2026. pic.twitter.com/CzUGBxR6VI

— AIK Fotboll (@AIKfotboll) August 14, 2025

In the opening minutes of the second half, AIK's fortunes seemed to shift in their favor when Mark Csinger committed a foul in the box, earning them a penalty kick. This presented a golden opportunity for AIK to regain the aggregate lead. However, Anton Saletros' penalty kick was denied by Samuel Petras, who made a crucial save to keep Gyor in the game.

The match took a turn for the worse for AIK on the hour mark when Paul Anton's corner kick was diverted into his own net by Aron Csongvai, giving Gyor a 2-0 lead in the second leg. This goal handed the aggregate lead to the Hungarian side, putting AIK in a precarious position.

As the match entered its final quarter, Anton's set pieces continued to cause problems for AIK. His free kick from the wide area was headed just over the bar by Nadir Benbouali, highlighting the threat that Gyor's set-piece specialists posed to the Swedish side.

The second goal appeared to deflate AIK's momentum, as they struggled to create scoring opportunities for the remainder of the match. It wasn't until the final minute that they had a chance to potentially salvage the tie, when Eskil Edh's powerful shot hit the underside of the bar and bounced out, narrowly missing the target.

The near miss sealed Gyor's advancement to the playoff round, while AIK's wait for a UEFA competition proper continues. The Swedish side has not participated in a UEFA competition since the 2012/13 season, and this loss extends their drought.