AIK Eliminated from Europa League After Defeat to Györi Amid Pitch Controversy

AIK's aspirations in the Europa League were dashed following a 2-0 loss to Györi, resulting in a 3-2 aggregate defeat that marks the end of their campaign in the tournament. The match was marred by troubling pitch conditions, which Györi had previously admitted were affected by a fungal infection. Although conditions were poor, both teams faced the same challenges during the match held on August 15, 2025.

AIK's head coach, Mikkjal Thomassen, highlighted the adverse effects of the pitch on play, stating, "A pitch like this makes it difficult for teams to control the ball." He pointed out that the problematic state of the field was acknowledged by Györi, who also expressed regrets over it. In contrast to the coach's remarks, AIK players, including captain Anton Salétros, chose not to use the pitch conditions as a justification for their loss. Salétros commented, "It’s a football pitch. They had the same pitch. It’s not something we can blame," asserting that the team's failure to score after Györi's two goals justified their exit from the competition.

Despite the challenging environment, the players insisted that their overall performance fell short of the standard required to progress. Salétros also criticized the team's display on the night, implying that they did not deserve to advance based on their on-field performance. Thomassen concluded that while it remains uncertain how a better pitch might have impacted the match, it would not serve as an excuse for their elimination, emphasizing the need for improvement moving forward.

AIK’s exit from the tournament comes as a disappointment for the team and its supporters, as they had hoped for a longer run in European competition. The combination of an unfavorable pitch and a lackluster performance ultimately culminated in their departure from the Europa League, leaving the team reflecting on their shortcomings as they prepare for future challenges.