Zikos laments AEK lapses

Experienced midfielder Akis Zikos believes sloppy defending cost AEK Athens FC their place in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round after they were forced to settle for a frustrating 2-2 draw at RSC Anderlecht.

'Bizarre goals'
The Greek outfit needed a win to keep themselves alive in the competition as Group H rivals LOSC Lille Métropole pulled off a 2-0 triumph at AC Milan, and they left themselves with a mountain to climb when Anthony Vanden Borre and Nicolas Frutos put the hosts two goals up. The first goal was particularly clumsy from AEK's point of view, the ball pinballing around the penalty spot for what seemed an eternity before Vanden Borre turned it in. "It was entirely our fault," explained a crestfallen Zikos. "We conceded bizarre goals because of a lack of concentration and that's what cost us in the end."

Late charge
Vassilios Lakis's 75th-minute header sparked a desperate late comeback by the visitors, but although centre-back Bruno Cirillo then levelled the scores, they were unable to register their third straight victory at this level. "It's such a shame because what we managed to do in the second half of the competition was superb," said Zikos. "We performed well tonight too and did everything we could with our backs to the wall. We lacked a bit of luck maybe, especially because of the result in Milan. I really don't understand what happened there. Milan are a great team and had their reputation to defend, even though they were already through."

UEFA Cup
Despite their natural disappointment, the Yellows are not out of Europe entirely, and their 32-year-old anchorman is looking forward to vying for glory in the UEFA Cup. He added: "The UEFA Cup is a good tournament so that's some consolation. However, it doesn't start for us until February, so the important thing now is to get back to work this week and lift ourselves again. We'll wait to see who we're drawn against and take it from there." Currently second in their domestic Super League, they also have the Greek title to compete for in the coming weeks, which of course would guarantee them another crack at the continental élite next season - and the chance to go a step further.