Ivan balliu

UEFA Conference League: Spanish side Rayo Vallecano has a chance to make European history on Thursday when it hosts AEK Athens in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League quarterfinal. The tie gives Rayo a chance to reach a European semifinal for the first time after playing in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Cup in the 2000-2001 season, when they lost to Deportivo Alaves.

The side from the working-class Madrid neighbourhood of Vallecas goes into the game after taking a big step toward La Liga survival with a 1-0 home win over Elche on Friday, and coach Inigo Perez will have virtually his full squad available, with the exception of wingers Fran Perez and Ilias Akhomach, who have slight physical problems.

AEK Athens will provide a difficult test, with the Greek side immersed in the title race after an impressive away win over Olympiakos at the weekend. The visiting side has been tough to beat this season, with just five defeats in 47 games in all competitions.