RSC Anderlecht’s European campaign came to an early end on Thursday night after a 2-0 loss to AEK Athens in the final qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
The Belgian side struggled in the opening stages, with AEK dominating possession. While neither team created significant early chances, Kutesa threatened after 20 minutes with a shot over Anderlecht goalkeeper Coosemans’ crossbar. Moments later, Marco Kana was forced to intervene after a mistake by teammate De Cat near the penalty area.
Anderlecht’s lacklustre attack offered little in response, apart from a weak effort from Huerta. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when former STVV player Aboubakary Koita hammered in a powerful strike to give AEK the lead. The visitors failed to muster any meaningful threat as their attacking woes continued.
AEK's Aboubakary Koita scoring the 1-0 goal during match between Anderlecht and team AEK Athens, in Athens, Greece, on Thursday 28 August 2025. Credit: Belga
In a bid to turn the game around, manager Besnik Hasi made three substitutions at half-time, introducing Augustinsson, Verschaeren, and Bertaccini. However, the changes had little impact. Just two minutes into the second half, AEK doubled their lead thanks to an unstoppable strike by Kutesa, a former Zulte Waregem player.
Anderlecht nearly responded immediately with a header from Dolberg, but it failed to spark a comeback. AEK continued to create chances, with Jovic and Relvas coming close to adding a third but failing to convert. On the other end, Bertaccini tested AEK goalkeeper Strakosha, but the Albanian stopper was equal to the effort.
In the closing stages, Coosemans made two crucial saves to deny AEK, preventing the scoreline from becoming more lopsided. Despite his efforts, Anderlecht couldn’t find a way back into the match.
The final whistle sealed Anderlecht’s elimination from European competition, forcing the Brussels club to turn its focus back to domestic football. RSC Anderlecht had been eliminated a few weeks ago from Europa League after losing to Swedish team Häcken on penalties.
The early exit is not only a sporting disappointment but also a financial blow to the club, which had hoped for a longer run in Europe.
