AEK didn’t escape the injury woes, Grigoris Makos also departing before the interval after being caught by a heavy challenge from Steven Pienaar.

Indeed, if Everton thought they had selection problems, they were nothing compared to those facing their opponents last night.

Half of AEK’s expected starting line-up – led by Argentine duo Ismael Blanco and Nacho Scocco –were on the bench amid rumours they had turned up late in protest over unpaid wages, with the club stricken by severe financial difficulties that have left them £30million in debt.

It meant only four of the players who started the 4-0 thrashing at Goodison earlier in the competition began the game.

AEK’s fans had grown weary of the off-field problems, given the 71,000-capacity Olympic Stadium – a temporary home as they wait for a new ground of their own that many supporters suspect may never arrive – was less than a quarter full.

Nevertheless, those present were intent on making life as intimidating as possible for the visitors, huge explosions intermittently rocking the arena while one fan even targeted Everton’s players with a laser beam.

The poor pitch, inclement weather and succession of injuries ensured grit rather than guile required from both teams during a fractious first half.

And Everton made the perfect start when they forged ahead in the sixth minute. A punt upfield by Howard was flicked on by Tim Cahill into the path of Jo – again preferred as the lone striker – and the Brazilian held off Daniel Majstorovic before playing in Bilyaletdinov, who directed a crisp finish above goalkeeper Sebastian Saja into the roof of the net.

The home side took until the 32nd minute to force Tim Howard into a save, the American beating out a speculative long range effort from Panagiotis Tachtsidis.

The same player threatened again after the interval when finding space inside the six-yard box only for his shot to be blocked by Hibbert.

With the rain having temporarily subsided, the game opened up. Youssouf Hersi’s angled drive hit the outside of the post with Howard beaten and, seconds later, Jo drew a good save from Saja with a similar effort, although it failed to merit a corner from any of the five officials in operation.

AEK came closer still in the 75th minute when, after Coleman misjudged a low cross, substitute Gustavo Manduca’s shot was cleared off the line by the retreating Baxter. But in truth, the home side never convinced they would find a way through.

No Greek tragedy for Everton, then. The recovery starts here.