AEK Athens win Sydney pre-season tournament

AEK Athens captured the Sydney international pre-season tournament with a 1-0 win over Glasgow Rangers on Saturday.

Australian Nathan Burns claimed the winner in the 73rd minute for the Greek side to remain unbeaten with their third victory of the tournament.

AEK Athens head home for their Greek season after also beating English Premier League Blackburn Rovers 2-1 and hosts Sydney FC 5-3.

Burns netted with a powerful header leaping to head home a cross from Nikos Karabelas.

Athens’ win would have been even more comfortable had substitute Rafik Djebbour not been denied by two great saves from Rangers goalkeeper Alan McGregor in the later stages.

The Scottish champions also created chances with defender Steven Whittaker floating in two enticing crosses from the left that Kenny Miller just failed to meet.

Lee McCullough also had a volleyed effort saved from a Steve Davis corner in the 36th minute, before captain David Weir headed wide from a free kick.

Blackburn finished second in the tournament after their 2-1 win over Sydney FC later Saturday.

Australian international Brett Emerton and Norwegian Morten Gamst Pedersen put Rovers 2-0 ahead before striker Alex Brosque scored Sydney’s only goal nine minutes from time.

It was Sam Allardyce’s team’s best performance of the pre-season tournament after losing to AEK Athens and Rangers.