Nikolić: 'If a football miracle must happen, then tomorrow is the day' for AEK's comeback

As the coach of AEK Athens, Marko Nikolić faces a daunting task in the upcoming Conference League second leg against Rayo Vallecano. Following a difficult first leg, Nikolić is calling for nothing short of a "football miracle" to secure qualification for the semi-finals. He stressed the importance of a strong performance, unwavering belief, and the crucial support of the home crowd at AEK Arena.

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If a football miracle must happen, then tomorrow is the day.

Nikolić acknowledged the quality of La Liga side Rayo Vallecano, noting their adaptability and effectiveness, particularly on the counter-attack. He recognized that AEK did not perform to their potential in the first leg and were punished for it. For the return match, the Serbian manager is demanding a maximum effort from his players, urging them to "fight and believe" to overcome the deficit.

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Tomorrow we have to do everything to attract good luck.

The coach highlighted the need for the fans to be the "12th man" on the pitch, sharing the same passion and determination as the players. He believes that with the collective effort of the team and the supporters, they can turn the tie around. Nikolić also pointed out the tactical differences in Rayo Vallecano's play between home and away games, suggesting AEK must be prepared for a different challenge in the second leg.

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We must fight and believe at the highest level.

From an AEK perspective, this match is more than just a European tie; it's an opportunity to showcase resilience and fight back against adversity. While Western media might focus on the tactical battle or the odds of qualification, for us in Athens, it's about the passion, the history of comebacks, and the unwavering spirit of the club. We believe in the possibility of a miracle, and we will fight until the very last second.

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We need the fans from the first to the last minute.