AEK banished worries about their finances and lack of playing staff with a 3-0 win over Vaslui at the Olympic Stadium on Thursday to advance to the group stage of the Europa League.

AEK, who had lost the first leg 2-1 in Romania, needed an early goal to settle their nerves but the home supporters had to wait for almost an hour before their side leveled the aggregate scores.

It was worth waiting for though. Midfielder Gustavo Manduca connected with pinpoint cross from Leonardo to send a diving header into the visitors' net.

The goal visibly lifted AEK and in the 75th minute Nacho Skoko broke on the counter-attack and lifted the ball over the Vaslui keeper to make it 2-0.

A third arrived just four minutes later when Skoko drilled home from inside the area.

It was the perfect tonic for beleagured AEK and their presence in the Europa League groups will also be vital for the club's balance sheet.