AEK Athens roar into UEFA Champions League group stage

ATHENS, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- After a 12-year absence, AEK Athens were back to the UEFA Champions League group stage on Tuesday when they drew Hungary's MOL Vidi 1-1 at Athens OAKA stadium.

Thanks to their 2-1 win on road one week ago, AEK Athens advanced on 3-2 aggregation.

In the 47th minute of the game at home, captain Petros Mantalos scored for AEK on a penalty. But after 10 minutes, Loic Nego equalized for Vidi.

Under heavy rain, AEK Athens managed to keep the scoreline despite the red card to Helder Lopes in the 80th minute.

Now the Greek team is waiting for the draw this Thursday in Monaco to see who will be the their opponents at the UEFA Champions League group stage. Enditem