AEK Athens 1 Dundee United 1: IRELAND'S JOHN Daly scored to give Dundee United a creditable draw last night in Athens, but the Scottish side still slipped out of Europe.

After a week of farce which saw the venue for the match switched several times, the contest finally went ahead at the Karaiskaki Stadium – home of AEK’s deadly rivals Olympiakos – but with only United supporters present because of security fears.

Any hopes United had that the eerie atmosphere would unsettle AEK were quickly dashed as they picked up where they left off at Tannadice with an impressive passing game.

Debutant Papa Bouba Diop scored the opening goal and it looked as if United’s hopes were over, but substitute Daly came off the bench to net a goal which gave them hope of progressing. Despite their endeavour though, it was not to be.

AEK took the lead after Ireland’s Seán Dillon conceded a corner kick needlessly, and they were punished as Sanel Jahic rose unmarked to flick the ball on for Senegal’s Diop, who poked a shot in from four yards.

Dundee United gave themselves a lifeline on 78 minutes when Paul Dixon’s long ball fell for Daly inside the box and he prodded it past goalkeeper Sebastian Saja.

Danny Swanson had a chance to send United through on away goals with a drive from the edge of the box but it flew just wide.

Meanwhile, another Scottish side’s European dreams also died last night with Motherwell squandering a host of chances against nine-man Odense at Fir Park – losing 1-0 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate. Peter Utaka put the ball past Irishman Darren Randolph in the 28th minute with the Danish side’s only opportunity of the second leg.

AEK Athens win 2-1 on aggregate

Daly 78

Att: 600

Diop 23