AEK Athens stunned by Panathinaikos in derby ahead of Real Madrid clash

AEK Athens suffered a first Greek league defeat of the season as Panathinaikos won their derby 2-0 on Sunday, leaving the hosts with little time to recover before Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Real Madrid.

The result ended AEK Athens’ run of three successive domestic victories and left them seven points behind Panathinaikos. It also came just before a demanding European test in the fourth round of the Champions League on 04 November 2026.

Panathinaikos made the faster start, with Andreas Teteh breaking the deadlock in the first minute. The early goal placed AEK Athens under immediate pressure and gave the home side control of the contest.

Santino Andino doubled Panathinaikos’ advantage at the beginning of the second half, making AEK Athens’ task of recovering from the setback considerably more difficult.

AEK Athens created opportunities as they attempted to reduce the deficit and regain a foothold in the match. However, they were unable to turn those chances into goals.

The visitors also played the final 20 minutes with a numerical advantage but still could not find a way back into the game, eventually leaving with a damaging defeat against their traditional rivals.

AEK Athens must now try to restore their balance quickly, with little time available to address the problems exposed in the derby before Real Madrid’s visit. The Greek side will need greater concentration and discipline against a Real Madrid team determined to continue winning, making the challenge even more difficult after Sunday’s loss.