Conference League: AEK Larnaca, Mainz and Rayo Vallecano clinch top-eight berth

Karol Angielski’s 83rd-minute winner sent AEK Larnaca through to the last 16 of the Conference League following a narrow 1-0 win over Shkendija at AEK Arena.

Larnaca started matchday six in 10th place and a point adrift of a place in the top eight, appearing set to settle for a place in the play-offs until the closing stages of their match.

Angielski finished past Baboucarr Gaye to help the Cypriots maintain their unbeaten start to their Conference League campaign and help them finish eighth in the league phase.

Elsewhere in the competition, Strasbourg ensured they sat top of the pile with a 3-1 win over Breidablik, despite the Ligue 1 side being level until the 80th minute.

Sebastian Nanasi turned Ben Chilwell’s cross home with just 11 minutes on the clock before Breidablik captain Hoskuldur Gunnlaugsson restored parity just before the break.

However, Liam Rosenior’s side struck twice in 14 minutes, with Martial Godo putting them ahead before Julio Enciso sealed the win, having assisted Strasbourg’s second goal.

VICTORY SECURED

90’+4 | #RCSABFC pic.twitter.com/eLkAx3U0fH

— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) December 18, 2025

Bundesliga side Mainz narrowly missed out on a top-eight finish despite downing Samsunspor 2-0 thanks to goals either side of half-time from Silvan Widmer and Nadiem Amiri.

But there was better luck for Rayo Vallecano, who moved up to fifth following a 3-0 win over Kosovo’s Drita at Estadio de Vallecas.

Another big-hitter that failed to automatically qualify for the last 16 was Fiorentina, with the Serie A giants ending up in 15th after losing 1-0 to ninth-placed Lausanne-Sport.

At the other end of the table, the Lincoln Red Imps missed out on a spot in the play-offs after they were thrashed 4-1 by already eliminated Legia Warszawa.