APOEL’S CONTROVERSIAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXIT

APOEL’s pursuit of a Champions League group stage spot ended in disappointment following a 2-0 aggregate defeat to Slovan Bratislava. However, it was the manner of their exit that has left a bitter taste for the supporters.

Despite facing a 2-0 deficit from the first leg, APOEL’s passionate fans held hope that their team could overturn the result and advance to the next stage.

Coach David Gallego opted for an attacking line-up, featuring Chebake and Quintilla as wing-backs, Sarfo in the number 10 role, and a three-man forward line of Marquinhos, El Arabi, and Ndongala. The Spaniard’s tactics nearly paid off in the early stages, as both El Arabi and Ndongala were denied by the post and the opposing goalkeeper.

As APOEL’s pressure on the Slovan Bratislava goal increased, a controversial moment involving defender Petrovic had a significant impact on the tie. In the 18th minute, a long throw from Susic deflected off Petrovic’s back and struck the outstretched arm of a Slovan defender. However, VAR opted not to award a penalty, much to the frustration of the home crowd. This decision, which might have gone the other way under different circumstances—particularly if it had involved one of the world’s elite teams—added to the sense of injustice.

Later in the match, Marquinhos and Kostadinov were both thwarted by Slovan goalkeeper Takac, with Marquinhos also hitting the post with a header.

Another contentious incident occurred in the 45th minute when Slovan midfielder Tolic, already on a yellow card, committed a cynical foul on Kostadinov. Despite the foul seemingly warranting a second booking and subsequent red card, German referee Sascha Stegemann chose not to issue another card, allowing Slovan to continue with a full complement of players.

The Slovakian champions nearly sealed the tie in the 50th minute when Mak broke through, only to hit the post. This spurred APOEL back into action, and they came close to taking the lead when Susic’s header was cleared off the line in the 60th minute.

In the 66th minute, APOEL had another strong penalty appeal when both El Arabi and Marquinhos were pulled down in the box during the same attacking move, but once again, VAR declined to intervene.

To add to APOEL’s woes, Petrovic was shown a second yellow card in the 80th minute for a lesser foul than the one committed by Tolic in the first half.

Ultimately, APOEL could not find the breakthrough and will now drop into the Europa League qualification stage. Securing a place in the Champions League group stage would have earned APOEL nearly €15 million, though they are set to make just over €4 million from their current qualification campaign.

In his post-match press conference, David Gallego remained composed, stating:

“We are disappointed because we wanted to qualify for the Champions League. I couldn’t ask for anything more from my players or the supporters. I don’t recall many teams creating as many chances in one match, and we’re not happy. It’s like a bottle of ketchup: you try and try, but when the moment comes, it will all come out. It’s about efficiency, but that’s not the only thing I ask for. A handball in the area was seen, but a penalty wasn’t awarded. A foul that should have resulted in a second yellow card (for Slovan), yet Petrovic received one himself with 10 minutes to go. All these things come down to bad luck, but if the team had performed at its best, we would have achieved something. I have to thank and congratulate the team and the supporters. We are determined to progress in the Europa League.”

Defender Petrovic was more forthright in his remarks to the press, stating:

“I believe we played an excellent first half and created some very good chances. These things happen in football. What’s unusual, though, is playing 11 against 14. I’m not making excuses—I’m the one who scored the own goal in the first match, and there are no excuses for that.

However, under the new regulations, footballers can’t speak to the referees during the game—only the team captain can. But if the captain is the goalkeeper, the coach designates another player to communicate with the referee. That responsibility fell to me today. I spoke to the referee before we entered the pitch.

When they committed what was clearly a red-card offence, I approached the referee to complain. He told me that I wasn’t the right person to speak to him, and I responded that I was indeed the designated player. He then gave me a yellow card. It’s a disgrace—a disaster. This is the Champions League, and he shouldn’t be officiating in front of a crowd like this.

In my view, it was a clear penalty. We lost some momentum in the second half, but we continued to control the match. There are some things we cannot change. We’ll focus on the next match and keep working hard. It’s just a shame that today, certain decisions went against us.”