Late Drama, Big Statements and Shock Results In Europa Conference League Roundup

Late penalties, big statements and gutsy draws headlined another lively night in the UEFA Europa Conference League

From Athens to Kyiv, the league stage served up late equalisers, ruthless routs and disciplined stalemates as sides jostled for position across Group grids in the Conference League.

Fine margins in Greece, resilience in the Nordics, drama in Germany

In Athens, AEK Athens rescued a point against Shamrock Rovers with a stoppage-time penalty after Graham Burkehad earlier converted from the spot for the visitors; the draw keeps both clubs in the hunt in the Conference League

Cyprus saw AEK Larnaca and Aberdeen share a hard-fought 0–0, a useful clean sheet for the Dons as they steady their league-stage campaign, while a stirring comeback in Slovenia lifted Celje over Legia Warszawa: the hosts overturned a first-half deficit with two second-half strikes, flipping the tie and energising their push in the Conference League

In Kuopio, KuPS produced a commanding 3–1 win over Slovan Bratislava, the Finns surging clear after half-time to bank three precious points.

Germany delivered late theatre as Mainz 05 stunned Fiorentina 2–1: a leveller set up a dramatic winner for Lee Jae-sung, whose verified presence and form underline Mainz’s growing confidence in the Conference League
Armenia’s Noah fell 2–1 to Sigma Olomouc, the Czechs striking twice before the interval and defending the box expertly after the break.

Heavy wins, English momentum and a Spanish comeback for the ages

Turkey’s Samsunspor were ruthless against Hamrun Spartans, scoring in each phase to close out a no-nonsense 3–0 that strengthens their position.

In Lviv, Shakhtar Donetsk beat Breidablik 2–0 with a composed opener from Artem Bondarenko before the hosts doubled the lead after the hour to control their Conference League group.

Prague produced a stalemate as Sparta Praha and Raków Częstochowa drew 0–0, defences on top in a result that keeps qualification finely poised.

At Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace powered past AZ Alkmaar 3–1, a statement win that keeps English momentum rolling. Kyiv delivered the night’s biggest scoreline as Dynamo Kyiv thrashed Zrinjski 6–0: centre-back Denys Popov and captain Andriy Yarmolenko were among the scorers in a comprehensive show of strength in the Conference League

Elsewhere, Strasbourg edged Häcken 2–1 in Gothenburg, while Lausanne-Sport and Omonia Nicosia traded first-half goals in a 1–1 draw that keeps both in touch. Gibraltar’s Lincoln Red Imps earned a spirited 1–1 against Rijeka, a late leveller rewarding sustained pressure.

Romania’s Universitatea Craiova claimed a notable 1–0 away win at Rapid Vienna, while Madrid witnessed the comeback of the night as Rayo Vallecano overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Lech Poznań 3–2: verified scorers Isi Palazón, Jorge de Frutos and Álvaro García completed a breathless turnaround that could define their Conference League campaign.

Ireland’s Shelbourne suffered a 1–0 defeat to Drita after an early red card complicated their task in the Conference League, while Shkendija and Jagiellonia Białystok drew 1–1 amid a chaotic stoppage-time flashpoint that left the visitors finishing with ten.