ATHÍNA (Interstat) — AEK defeated FC Universitatea Craiova 3-2 in a UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match Thursday at Agia Sophia Stadium.

The visitors struck first with Ştefan Baiaram’s goal in the 30th minute, but AEK responded with three unanswered scores. Defender Domagoj Vida leveled the match just before halftime, followed by a go-ahead goal from substitute Alexandru Cicâldău in the 59th. Midfielder Dereck Kutesa sealed the win for the hosts in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time.

Craiova’s late consolation came from Luka Jović in added time. The match featured 10 yellow cards. AEK’s victory defied a pregame projection that favored them to win 2-0.