UEFA Europa League 1st Qualifying Round
FK Partizan 1 - 0 PEN 5-6 AEK Larnaca
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
FK Partizan
Midfielders
Z. Alomerovic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
G. Ekpolo
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
H. Milicevic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
V. Roberge
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
A. Garcia
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
M. Rohden
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Ledes Gustavo
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
P. Pons
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Y. Chacon
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
W. Rubio
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
K. Angielski
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
BENCH
A. Paraskevas
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
D. Demetriou
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
P. Ioannou
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Jimmy Suarez
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
D. Ivanovic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Miramon
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Danny Henriques
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
C. Loukaidis
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Mathias Gonzalez
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
K. Evripidou
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
J. Gnali
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
AEK Larnaca
Midfielders
M. Milosevic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
M. Roganovic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
V. Djurdjevic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
M. Milovanovic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
M. Jurcevic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
O. Ugresic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
V. Dragojevic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
D. Seck
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
M. Vukotic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
N. Trifunovic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
J. Milosevic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
BENCH
M. Krunic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
A. Stojkovic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
A. Kostic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
B. Natcho
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
A. Kalulu
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Y. Karabelyov
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
S. Petrovic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
N. Simic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
D. Jankovic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Z. Alilovic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
B. Kostic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
D. Jovanovic
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/10/2025 | AEK Larnaca | 1 - 0 | FK Partizan | UEFA Europa League | AEK Arena |
| 08/11/2022 | FK Partizan | 2 - 2 | AEK Larnaca | UEFA Europa League | Stadion Partizana |
| 08/04/2022 | AEK Larnaca | 2 - 1 | FK Partizan | UEFA Europa League | AEK Arena - George Karapatakis |
07/10/2025
08/11/2022
08/04/2022
FK Partizan Win
AEK Larnaca Win
Draw
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Extra-Time Chaos at Partizan Stadium
Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 45/100. Our verdict is that a breathless extra-time period transformed a tense qualifier into an unforgettable display of knockout resilience.
A Tense Continental Stalemate
The European nights under the lights at Partizan Stadium always carry a unique weight, and this crucial 1st Qualifying Round clash was no exception. For over an hour, FK Partizan and their Cypriot visitors, AEK Larnaca, engaged in a grueling tactical gridlock. The Stakes were palpable, with progression to the next phase hanging by a thread. Neither side was willing to commit a fatal error early on, resulting in a cagey affair where midfield battles dictated the tempo. The hosts pushed forward with intent, but the resilient defensive structure of the visitors held firm. Every challenge was heavily contested, reflecting the brutal reality of early-season knockout football where a single mistake can define an entire campaign.
Breaking the Deadlock
As the second half wore on, the simmering tension finally boiled over in the 69th minute. The initial deadlock was shattered when O. Ugresic found a sliver of space, capitalizing on a sharp, incisive pass from D. Seck. This breakthrough instantly elevated the Intensity of the contest. Forced to abandon their conservative shape, the Cypriot side began throwing bodies forward in a desperate search for a lifeline. The game opened up dramatically, transforming from a rigid chess match into an end-to-end battle. Tackles flew in with increasing ferocity, and the referee was kept busy managing the rising temperature on the pitch as the hosts tried to absorb the pressure.
A Breathless Conclusion
The real fireworks were reserved for a breathless extra-time period that completely destroyed the Balance of the tie. Just as the hosts looked to secure their passage, P. Pons delivered a stunning 104th-minute strike from J. Gnali’s assist, sending shockwaves through the stadium. With a high Upset Factor suddenly looming and penalties appearing inevitable, the momentum shifted entirely. However, European football is rarely straightforward. In the 118th minute, with legs heavy and minds exhausted, D. Jovanovic emerged as the ultimate hero. His late, decisive finish bypassed the visitors' weary backline, restoring the hosts' lead and sending the home supporters into raptures. This winner not only averted a shootout but solidified their continental ambitions.
Key Questions
How dramatic was the late winner by P. Pons?
P. Pons actually scored a dramatic 104th-minute equalizer, not the winner, pushing the match to the absolute limit before Partizan's ultimate response.
Did FK Partizan deserve the late equalizer?
Partizan actually netted the late 118th-minute winner through D. Jovanovic, a vital strike that reflected their relentless push in front of the home crowd.
What is the Futmetrix Score?
The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.
A Grueling First Step Towards Europe
Skip It Futmetrix Score: 20/100. Fine margins and a severe lack of early-season rhythm define a grueling qualifier that will test patience more than tactical genius.
The Setup
On July 17, 2025, FK Partizan welcome AEK Larnaca to Partizan Stadium for a bruising Europa League 1st Qualifying Round tie. European nights usually bring glamour, but the reality here is much harsher. Both sides carry a dismal Form rating, heavily weighed down by early-season rust and disjointed preparations. The Stakes metric reflects a modest early hurdle rather than a do-or-die epic, yet the absolute lack of Stars on display means this tie will be won through pure attrition rather than individual brilliance. Expect a battle where the modest Balance indicates neither side has the firepower to blow the other away.
Key Battle
With no marquee playmakers to unlock the game, this contest will be decided by the midfield engine rooms. The home side's physical, direct approach will constantly clash with the visitors' deep-sitting defensive block. Whoever wins the second balls and dictates the tempo in the central third will eventually grind out an ugly advantage.
Our Prediction
Do not expect a classic. A disjointed 0-0 or a narrow 1-0 victory for the hosts feels inevitable. AEK Larnaca will look to kill the clock and frustrate, while FK Partizan will struggle to build sustained pressure in the final third.