AEK Larnaca took a significant step towards the UEFA Europa League group stage with a 2-1 home victory over NK Publikum Celje in the first leg of their qualifying tie on August 1, 2025. The Cypriot side secured a narrow but crucial advantage thanks to a late winning goal. AEK Larnaca started strongly and took an early lead, capitalizing on home support. However, the Slovenian visitors grew into the game and found a well-deserved equalizer just after the hour mark, making the tie perfectly poised. With the match heading for a draw, AEK Larnaca found a winner in the 85th minute, sending the home crowd into raptures. The 2-1 result gives AEK Larnaca a slight edge heading into the second leg in Celje, where a draw or even a narrow loss could see them through.