Norwegian club Brann secured a narrow 2-1 home win over AEK Larnaca in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff on August 22, 2025. Playing at the Brann Stadion, the hosts built a crucial advantage to take to Cyprus for the return fixture. Brann took control of the match with two first-half goals, showcasing their attacking intent. AEK Larnaca improved after the break and managed to score a vital away goal, giving themselves a lifeline heading into the second leg. The 2-1 result is a positive one for Brann, but the concession of an away goal means their progress is far from guaranteed.