Four-star Trickovski steers AEK Larnaca past Levski

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE - 2ND QUALIF. ROUND (LEG 2)

AEK Larnaca scored early and often, easily defeating Levski Sofia 4:0 on the road in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League

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The role of a Captain is to provide leadership, and for AEK, Ivan Trickovski undoubtedly led the way with a superb four-goal performance. He started with an eighth-minute penalty, struck again in the 29th minute, completed the hat trick in the 75th minute and finally let up only after adding a fourth eight minutes from time. AEK already were in a great position after winning the first leg 3:0 in Larnaca, and the Cypriots emerged victorious 7:0 on aggregate in a matchup which expected to be much closer. AEK advance to the third qualifying round of the Europa League, where they will face Belgian side Gent.

THE MATCH

AEK started from where they left off in Larnaca by dominating the early stages. In the end, it culminated in Apostolos Giannou drawing a foul from Martin Rainov inside the box, with Trickovski subsequently stepping up and beating Milan Mijatovic from the penalty spot.

22 minutes later, AEK practically put the tie to bed once and for all, as Trickovski steered Giannou’s pass past Mijatovic.

The bloodbath continued in the second half. A free kick from the flank found Trickovski who completed the hat trick with a cool, calm, collected finish in the 75th minute. With time ticking down, AEK had one more trick up their sleeve, and it was Trickovski once again who couldn’t miss. A night to remember for AEK in Bulgaria.

LINEUPS

Levski Sofia(Petar Hubchev): 1. Milan Mijatovic(GK), 4. Ivan Goranov(Captain), 6. Ivaylo Naydenov, 7. Paulinho, 17. Nigel Robertha, 22. Nuno Reis, 23. Khaly Thiam(‘5 77. Iliya Yurukov), 29. Stanislav Kostov(‘52 10. Franco Mazurek), 39. Diyan Ivanov, 70. Martin Rainov, 99. Stanislav Ivanov

AEK Larnaca(Imanol Idiakez): 25. Tono Ramirez(GK), 4. Truyols(‘70 2. Simranjit Thandi), 5. Daniel Mojsov, 8. Acoran, 10. Ivan Trickovski(Captain), 13. Hector Hevel, 18. Mikel Gonzalez, 22. Lluis Sastre, 27. Raul(‘54 11. Tete), 41. Nacho Cases(‘75 23. Florian Taulemesse), 99. Apostolos Giannou

HIGHLIGHTS: LEVSKI SOFIA - AEK LARNACA

By Andreas Mantzas

Image Source: Sport 24 Cyprus

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