A Romanian midfielder steals the spotlight as AEK Athens secure dramatic away win in Europe
Why this match mattered
European club competitions bring together teams from across the continent, and for clubs outside the traditional elite, every point can define an entire season. On Thursday night, AEK Athens strengthened their position in the UEFA Conference League with a hard-fought away victory in Turkey, a result that also highlighted the growing influence of Romanian midfielder Răzvan Marin.
According to match data published by UEFA and reported by Romanian sports media, the Greek side overturned an early setback to defeat Samsunspor 2,1 in the fifth round of the group phase.
Early setback puts pressure on the visitors
The match began in difficult fashion for AEK Athens. Playing in front of a hostile home crowd, the visitors conceded in the fourth minute after an own goal disrupted their defensive organization and gave Samsunspor early momentum.
Despite controlling possession for long stretches of the first half, AEK struggled to convert their territorial advantage into clear scoring chances before the break.
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Marin changes the course of the game
The turning point came shortly after halftime. In the 52nd minute, Răzvan Marin found space near the edge of the penalty area and finished calmly, bringing AEK back on level terms. According to Romanian journalist Ioana Andreescu, Marin’s goal shifted both the rhythm and the confidence of the Greek side.
AEK completed the comeback twelve minutes later when Aboubakary Koita scored the winning goal. Marin, who had been booked early in the match, remained influential until he was substituted deep into stoppage time.
Who is Răzvan Marin and why it matters
For readers less familiar with European football, Răzvan Marin is one of Romania’s most experienced international players, having represented his country at major tournaments and played in several top European leagues. His performances in continental competitions like the Conference League are closely followed at home, as they reflect both individual form and the visibility of Romanian football abroad.
According to Romanian sports outlets, Marin’s contribution has been a key factor in AEK Athens maintaining consistency in European matches this season.
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The broader picture in the group
With this victory, AEK Athens reached ten points after five matches, a total that guarantees progression to the next phase of the competition. The Conference League is structured so that the top teams advance directly, while others must navigate additional playoff rounds.
AEK currently sit fourth in the standings. Their final group match will be played in Athens against Universitatea Craiova, a Romanian club still battling for a place in the knockout rounds.
Why the result resonates beyond one game
Beyond the immediate result, the match underlined how individual performances can influence a club’s European trajectory. According to UEFA competition analysts, away victories are often decisive in tightly contested groups, especially for teams balancing domestic and international commitments.
For AEK Athens, the win in Turkey not only secured qualification but also reinforced their reputation as a disciplined and resilient side on the European stage.
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