De Graafschap 1-2 AEK Athens: Greek Giants Edge Preseason Friendly in Thrilling Encounter

AEK Athens continued their preseason preparations with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Dutch Eerste Divisie side De Graafschap in an international club friendly on July 12, 2026. The match, played at De Graafschap's home ground, provided both teams with valuable minutes as they build towards their respective domestic campaigns.

Match Overview

The friendly kicked off at 22:15 local time under the summer lights, with both sides fielding mixed lineups of first-team regulars and trialists. AEK Athens, the Greek Super League heavyweights, looked to impose their technical superiority from the outset, while De Graafschap relied on their trademark physical pressing and quick transitions.

First Half: AEK Control but De Graafschap Strike First

The hosts stunned the visitors in the 18th minute when a well-worked counterattack caught the AEK defense off guard. A precise through ball split the center-backs, and De Graafschap's striker coolly slotted past the AEK goalkeeper to make it 1-0. The goal sparked a response from the Athenian side, who dominated possession for the remainder of the half but struggled to break down a compact Dutch defense. AEK's best chance came from a curling free kick that was tipped over the bar just before the interval.

Second Half: AEK's Quality Shines Through

AEK Athens manager made tactical adjustments at halftime, introducing more creative midfielders and pushing full-backs higher. The pressure told in the 55th minute when a swift one-two on the edge of the box allowed AEK's number 10 to fire a low shot into the bottom corner, leveling the score. De Graafschap continued to threaten on the break, but AEK's defense, marshaled by an experienced center-half pairing, held firm.

The winning goal arrived in the 73rd minute. A cross from the right was only partially cleared, and AEK's substitute forward reacted quickest, volleying home from 12 yards out. The Greek side managed the game expertly in the closing stages, keeping possession and limiting De Graafschap's chances.

Standout Performances

• AEK Athens No.10 – Pulled the strings in midfield and scored the equalizer. His vision and movement were a constant threat.
• De Graafschap Goalkeeper – Made several excellent saves to keep the scoreline respectable, particularly in the first half.
• AEK Substitute Forward – Provided the decisive goal with a clinical finish, staking a claim for a starting spot.

Preseason Context

For AEK Athens, this friendly forms part of a rigorous summer schedule as they prepare for the new Greek Super League season and potential European qualifiers. Manager Matías Almeyda will be pleased with the fitness levels shown and the ability to come from behind. De Graafschap, who are gearing up for the Eerste Divisie campaign, demonstrated they can compete against higher-tier opposition, though defensive lapses proved costly. The Super Boeren will take encouragement from their first-half display.

Final Score: De Graafschap 1-2 AEK Athens (18' – 1-0; 55' – 1-1; 73' – 1-2)