Recalled Socceroos striker Apostolos Giannou capped a good week with a double overnight in AEK Larnaca’s 3-0 win over Trencin in the Europa League qualifiers.
Five-time Socceroo scored in the first and 65th minutes to help the Cypriot club seal their spot in the group stage with a 4-1 aggregate win.
Giannou opened the scoring after only 24 seconds when released inside the box, with his deflected shot finding the back of the net.
He added the third goal with a close-range header after Ivan Trickovski’s central pass from a cross.
Socceroos goalkeeper Danny Vukovic will play in the Europa League with Genk after they completed a 9-4 aggregate win over Brondby overnight with a 4-2 home win.
Vukovic was in goal for the Belgian powerhouse, but conceded two goals either side of half-time as his side blew a 2-0 lead, like they did in the first leg.
The Australian wasn’t culpable for either goal, before Sebastian Dewaest and Mbwana Samatta netted in the second half to secure the win.
Elsewhere, Awer Mabil started from the bench despite his weekend goal, appearing as a 75th minute sub as Midtjylland went down 2-0 to Malmo at home, to crash out of Europe.
Tom Rogic was an unused substitute as Celtic eased into the group stage with a 3-0 win over Lithuanian champions Suduva who had Aussie goalkeeper Ewan Ridley on the bench.
Related Articles

Socceroos midfielder embraces move to England

Cardiff City snap up sought-after Socceroos starlet
