Atakora Lalawelé and AIK Stockholm Exit Europa League After Home Defeat to Astana
BBC Sport – European Football
Togolese international Atakora Lalawelé and his club AIK Stockholm have been eliminated from the UEFA Europa League following a 3-0 home defeat to Astana in the second leg of the third qualifying round.
The first leg in Kazakhstan had ended in a 1-1 draw, giving AIK a promising platform to progress. However, the Swedish side failed to capitalise on their away advantage in front of their home supporters.
Astana took the lead in the 36th minute through Foxi and extended their advantage with goals from Shomko in the 54th minute and Dzolchieyev in the 71st, securing a comprehensive victory.
Lalawelé, who was named on the bench, was unable to influence the outcome as AIK struggled to find a way back into the match.
This defeat ends AIK’s Europa League campaign earlier than the previous 2012/2013 season, where the Swedish side had progressed further in the competition. The club now turns its focus back to domestic matters as they regroup after the disappointment in Europe.
