Rayo Vallecano are set to host AEK Athens in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final tie. The match sees both sides vying for a place in the semi-finals against either Mainz 05 or Strasbourg.
Rayo’s European Ambitions
Rayo Vallecano have reached the quarter-finals of the 2025-26 Conference League, marking their first European appearance since the 2000-01 Europa League. Back then, they were defeated by Alaves. They will face AEK with the hope of reaching the semi-finals of a European competition for the first time.
Inigo Perez’s team advanced to this stage after finishing fifth in the league phase. They secured a 3-2 aggregate victory over Samsunspor in the last 16, winning the first leg 3-1 away. Despite a 1-0 defeat at home, it was enough to arrange their first-ever clash against Greek opposition in UEFA competition.
Rayo are coming off a 1-0 La Liga victory at home against Elche, which has moved them up to 13th in the league. They’ll be aiming for consecutive home wins for the first time since October/November. During that run, they won Conference League matches against Shkendija and Lech Poznan.
AEK’s Title Hopes and European Run
AEK also progressed directly to the last 16 after a top-eight finish in the league phase. The Greek team defeated Celje 4-0 in Slovenia during their last-16 tie. Despite conceding two goals in the first half of the home leg, they managed to progress with a 4-2 aggregate scoreline.
In addition to their European aspirations, AEK are also competing for their first Greek Super League title since the 2022-23 campaign. Marko Nikolic’s team extended their lead at the top of the table to five points with a 1-0 victory over Olympiacos. Aboubakary Koita’s early goal secured the win.
The win against Olympiacos also extended AEK’s unbeaten away run to 14 competitive matches. Their away record includes Conference League wins over Fiorentina, Samsunspor and Celje. They will be hoping to reach the semi-finals of a European competition for the first time since the 1976-77 UEFA Cup.
Team News and Absences
Rayo’s Fran Perez is currently injured and has been omitted from their Conference League squad. Jozhua Vertrouwd, Abdul Mumin and Randy Nteka are also ineligible.
AEK Athens will head to Spain for Thursday’s Conference League quarter-final first leg against Rayo Vallecano.