Jakob Johansson

AEK had the perfect start to its Europa League group stage campaign, triumphing 2-1 at Rijeka in Croatia on Thursday and is a strong candidate for a top-two finish, given that the group also includes AC Milan and Austria Vienna.

AEK started its Greek league season with a 2-0 victory over Panetolikos on Sunday with both teams reduced to 10 men.

Hugo Almeida scored with a penalty in the 14th minute, only to be dismissed 14 minutes later for elbowing in the face an opponent who had grabbed his shirt.

Marcos Paulo got a second yellow card three minutes into the second half for a late tackle.

PAOK was the net gainer of the first round of the Super League play-offs that started on Wednesday, as it came from behind to beat AEK at home, while mini-league leader Panathinaikos escaped with a draw from Panionios.