AEK Athens has returned to the pinnacle of Greek football after a three-year absence marked by titles, losses, ownership changes, the end of Almeida's era, and a new beginning under Marco Nikolits.

The team's journey to the top was anything but easy. It was a season full of ups and downs, a path that required pressure, changes, and resilience. The final match against Panathinaikos, played in New Philadelphia, was the decisive moment. Panathinaikos took the lead, but AEK fought back. Zini equalized, and Joao Mario scored the winning goal in the 90th minute, sending the stadium into a frenzy.

This was more than just a title-winning goal. It marked the end of a challenging three-year journey. From the 2023 title, through last season's loss, to the management changes, the end of Almeida's era, and the new chapter with Nikolits.

The 2023 Season and the Team that Changed AEK

The 2022-23 season was a significant one for AEK. It was the first full season for Almeida and the first in the new stadium. The team showcased its strength and character. Almeida gave the team a clear identity, making the new stadium a home ground once again.

Winning the 2023 title raised the bar. This was both a blessing and a curse. After such success, the expectations for the next season were high. Everyone expected AEK to be there again, and opponents played them differently.

The Season Lost in Details

AEK entered the 2023-24 season as defending champions. They had a good team, the same coach, and confident players. However, they lacked the freshness and clarity of previous critical moments. The European campaign was demanding, leading to more pressure and fatigue. In the league, they fought until the end but couldn't finish as desired. In the playoffs, they made mistakes and missed opportunities.

AEK was not a failed team, but the cycle of 2023 began to wear them down. The game remained intense, but not with the same precision. The pressure was there but did not always manifest the same way. AEK remained strong but lost the feeling of control.

Ownership Changes and the Shock of Europe

The summer of 2024 brought significant changes to AEK. Demetris Melissanidis stepped down, and Mario Helipoulus took over. This was not just a change in management but a change of era. Helipoulus faced a team with high expectations and a fanbase that wanted continuity.

The season started poorly, with AEK's elimination from the Conference League qualifiers being a major blow. Not just for prestige but for morale. AEK was out of European competition early, changing the entire atmosphere. In such cases, the pressure does not decrease.