Antwerp Holds Strong in First Leg Against AEK Athens in Champions League Qualifier

In a balanced first period between the champions of Belgium and Greece, Antwerp was able to be realistic. After a quarter of an hour of play, Vincent Janssen unlocked the match. Launched to the right of the surface by Arthur Vermeeren, the Dutch striker achieved an impeccable finish with the flat of the left foot (16th). AEK still created a few chances, with Nordin Amrabat crossing twice for Levi Garcia, the latter placing two headers (11th, 24th) on Jean Butez then above the frame. The Antwerp defense showed solidity, then managing to counter a new attempt from Garcia (28th) then another from Orbelín Pineda after a good collective action (42nd).

Things got complicated for the ‘Great Old’ after the 50th minute and the exclusion of Jelle Bataille after a late intervention on the leg of Mijat Ga?inovi?. The Antwerpers suffered the Athenian game until the last second, but did not break, like Butez who saved his people, dismissing an attempt by Mantalos (77th). Ritchie De Laet (65th) or Soumaïla Coulibaly (84th) attempted incursions but the first did not obtain the desired penalty and the second arrived in front of the goal at the end of the race and did not know how to finish correctly.

The two teams will meet again on Wednesday August 30 (9 p.m.) for the return match at the OPAP Arena in Athens. The winner of the double confrontation will qualify for the Champions League group stage, the loser will be transferred to the Europa League.

2023-08-22 21:10:00
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