AEK secured a 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk at Kingsmeadow in London on October 14, 2026, marking the club’s first-ever win in the UEFA Youth League. Goals from Filippiadis and Argyriou lifted the undefeated side to four points in the League Phase.
The young squad arrived in the English capital carrying strong domestic momentum, having won all five of their opening matches in the Super League K19 competition while outscoring opponents 19-0. That domestic form translated immediately to the European stage under coach Periklis Papagiannis. After opening their League Phase campaign with a scoreless draw against LASK, the team delivered an assertive tactical performance on neutral ground.
How Filippiadis and Argyriou Built a Two-Goal Lead
AEK established early control on the pitch, limiting Shakhtar’s counter-attacking threats while pressing forward with dangerous flank play. The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute from a set piece. Following an energetic run down the right side by Amanatidis that forced a corner kick, Filippiadis found himself in the right position inside the area to turn the ball past the Ukrainian goalkeeper.
The visiting side maintained pressure throughout the first half, testing the defense through Amanatidis and Sioutas before extending their advantage shortly after the interval. In the 52nd minute, Argyriou collected a pass from Golfinos, executed a sharp control inside the left side of the penalty area, and fired a powerful shot past the opponent’s netminder to make it 2-0.
Shakhtar Pushes for Equalizer After Cutting Deficit
Conceding the second goal forced Shakhtar Donetsk to take greater risks and push higher up the pitch. The tactical shift paid off in the 66th minute when a defensive miscommunication in the AEK backline allowed Tiutiunov to close in and score from close range, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
🟡⚫ Το γκολ με το οποίο η ΑΕΚ U19 άνοιξε το σκορ απέναντι στη Σαχτάρ! pic.twitter.com/11mGTBQP6z
Buoyed by the scoreline, the Ukrainian side searched intensely for an equalizer. Rayan Roberto came close in the 74th minute with a strike from outside the box that sailed narrowly past Ioannou’s post. AEK absorbed the sustained pressure through the remaining minutes, holding firm to preserve the final result until the referee’s whistle.
Upcoming Fixtures in the League Phase
With four points from their first two matches, AEK continues an demanding European schedule across England and Europe. The team travels to face Manchester City on October 20, 2026, before hosting Real Madrid on November 4. Subsequent League Phase fixtures include matches against Como on November 24 and Galatasaray on December 8, ahead of the knockout playoff draw scheduled for December 11.
