UEFA Conference League: AEK Larnaca Wins 4-0 Against AZ Alkmaar

AZ Alkmaar suffers 4-0 defeat against AEK Larnaca

AEK Larnaca claimed their maiden UEFA Conference League victory, thrashing AZ Alkmaar 4-0 in a historic match that marked the first-ever meeting between the two teams.

AEK Larnaca, currently sitting 13th, seemed determined to prioritize their European campaign...

AEK Larnaca thrashed AZ Alkmaar 4-0 in their UEFA Conference League match, marking their first win in the competition's main draw. The Cypriot side dominated the game from the start, with AZ Alkmaar's task becoming even more daunting after Alexandre Penetra's red card in the 2nd minute.

This historic victory showcases AEK Larnaca's determination to make a strong impression in the competition. Both teams had to navigate 14 qualifying games to reach the Conference League proper, highlighting their eagerness to excel. Waldo Rubio opened the scoring for AEK Larnaca in the 25th minute, capitalizing on their numerical advantage.

😞

2. 🟥 Penetra
25. Rubio (1-0)
54. Bajić (2-0)
74. Ivanović (3-0)
83. Rohdén (4-0)#AZAlkmaar #UECL #aekaz #TheFutureIsOurs pic.twitter.com/OQnf4ZEgZD

— AZ (@AZAlkmaar) October 2, 2025

The win marks a significant milestone for AEK Larnaca, demonstrating their potential to progress in the competition. Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar faces a tough challenge in their upcoming matches, including a crucial encounter against Slovan Bratislava in the Conference League.

AZ Alkmaar's struggles on the road in European competitions continued, with their winless streak in away games now standing at 12 matches. Their chances of breaking this unwanted record took a hit just two minutes into the game when Alexandre Penetra's reckless tackle on Waldo Rubio earned him a straight red card.

Following Penetra's dismissal, AEK Larnaca took control of the match and capitalized on their numerical advantage. Godswill Ekpolo's cross was headed towards goal by Riad Bajić, whose effort was saved, but Rubio was quick to react and tapped in the rebound from close range, giving Larnaca the lead in the 25th minute.

An incredible night of #UECL action 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VZTqTxtpZ9

— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) October 2, 2025

AZ Alkmaar's goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro made a crucial save in the dying minutes of the first half, tipping Riad Bajić's point-blank header over the bar to keep the deficit at just one goal.

AEK Larnaca, currently sitting 13th, seemed determined to prioritize their European campaign. They took a significant step towards securing their win nine minutes after the restart. Initially, Pere Pons' goal was ruled out for offside, but the momentum continued in AEK Larnaca's favor. Bajić eventually scored his deserved goal, heading in Luis Gustavo Ledes' beautifully chipped ball across the area.

The Dutch side's efforts to limit the damage were undone in the final 15 minutes, as AEK Larnaca sealed their victory with two more goals. Substitute Đorđe Ivanović scored just a minute after coming on, capitalizing on a through ball from Yerson Chacón to slot past Owusu-Oduro.

The win was rounded off by Marcus Rohdén, who scored from just inside the area, capping off a comprehensive 4-0 victory for the Cypriots. This result highlights AEK Larnaca's strong home form, having lost just one of their last 18 matches in all competitions, while AZ Alkmaar's struggles continue, with the Dutch side now winless in four.