Venue: AEK Arena (Larnaca)
Referee: Jakob Karlsen (Denmark)
Goal: Kabrera (67')
AEK Line-up:
Alomerovic – Godswill, Milicevic, Roberge, Garcia (65' Gnali), Pons, Ledes, Rohden (75' Miramon), Chacon (87' Suarez), Rubio Marin (87' Ivanovic), Cabrera
Partizan Line-up:
M. Milosevic – Roganovic, Djurdjevic, Milovanovic (66' Simic), Jurcevic, Dragojevic, Ugresic (66' Karabelyov), Kalulu, Natcho (74' Vukotic), Trifunovic (86' B.Kostic), J. Miloševic (74' A.Kostic)
Partizan suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat to AEK Larnaca in the opening leg of the Europa League qualifying round. Played in sweltering Cypriot heat and high humidity, the conditions clearly favored the hosts, who looked more agile and comfortable throughout.
The first half saw AEK on the front foot, pressing high and frequently testing the black-and-whites' backline. However, goalkeeper Marko Milosevic kept the scores level going into halftime.
The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when Enzo Cabrera scored with a header following a set-piece—AEK's reward for sustained pressure. Interestingly, the goal seemed to awaken Partizan, who then started dominating possession and creating chances.
Despite forced substitutions due to injuries to Milovanovic, Ugresic, and later Kalulu (who played on in visible pain), Partizan pushed forward. The best chance came in the 74th minute when Jovan Milosevic narrowly missed the target.
Although the loss stings, the deficit is small. With the return leg set for Belgrade, and strong home support expected, Partizan will believe in their chances to turn the tie around.
