Marko Nikolic: I congratulate my players

The team battled very hard after going down to 10 men after the half hour. They stood back up and lost 2-1 at home to AEK Athens FC in the Champions League Play Off. Manager Marko Nikolic and Marinos Ouzounidis from AEK spoke to the media after the game.

"I would like to congratulate my players and I am very proud of them. They battled until the final second and gave their all. It was a balanced game and when both teams were down to 10 men, we won that game 1-0. We were in a very hard situation after Huszti's sending off. I felt we did not deserve to lose. I never comment on the performance of a referee and the same applies now. I had no reason to make a change and our game went really well in the final 30 minutes. Making a substitute at a time like that only affects their heads. There were many supporters here to watch the game and I would like to thank them for backing the team. Congratulations to AEK, but we will naturally go to Athens next week to win as we run out on to the pitch. I really want us to go through. We have no other options. We showed again this evening that we can really fight" - explained Marko Nikolic.

"It was difficult in the end and nothing is certain. It looked for a long time that we were in a good position, but we ended up sweating for the result. Our team became nervous after the sending off. We were better up until then but then there was a period when Vidi were better. The team were nervous just the same after we conceded a goal, but fortunately we won. We will need to improve in the second leg, and cannot afford to have a similar period. I do not often talk about the match officials, but all I will say is that our red card looked a little but strict. We have not gone through but have picked up a win. To be certain of Champions League group stage football means that we will have to play better at home. The tie is open and I am satisfied overall with the result" - commented AEK manager Marinos Ouzounidis.