Clean Sweep: All Four Cypriot Sides March On in Europe

Champions League – Second Qualifying Round, Second Leg

Maccabi Tel-Aviv 0-1 Pafos (Agg: 1-2)
TSC Arena, Serbia

Pafos FC booked their place in the next round of Champions League qualifying with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Maccabi Tel-Aviv, sealing a 2-1 aggregate win.

The Cypriot side’s hero was Brazilian winger Jajá, whose spectacular first-half strike ultimately proved decisive. The match, however, will be remembered as much for Maccabi’s chaotic night between the posts as it will for Pafos’ clinical finish.

Maccabi saw an early goal disallowed for offside before being forced into a goalkeeper reshuffle. Yoav Gerafi limped off injured after just 13 minutes, and replacement Ofek Melika was sent off shortly after for a rash challenge on Anderson Silva outside the box. Third-choice Roei Mashpati was powerless to stop Jajá’s curling effort into the top corner after a swift counter-attack involving Bruno.

Pafos withstood late pressure as Maccabi pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but the visitors held firm to progress to the third qualifying round, where they will face Dynamo Kyiv.

Europa League – Second Qualifying Round, Second Leg

AEK Larnaca 2-1 Celje (Agg: 3-2)

AEK Larnaca advanced to the third qualifying round of the Europa League with a 2-1 home victory over Slovenian side Celje, completing a 3-2 aggregate win.

The hosts controlled much of the contest and opened the scoring through Chacón, who latched onto a precise through ball from Angeliski to finish calmly in the 40th minute. After the break, García doubled AEK’s lead with a powerful header from a corner.

Celje briefly threatened a comeback when Kvesić pulled one back with a low strike from inside the area, but Idiakez’s men managed the closing stages professionally to secure progression.

Conference League – Second Qualifying Round, Second Leg

Torpedo Kutaisi 0-4 Omonoia (Agg: 0-5)

Omonoia Nicosia stormed into the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League with a dominant 4-0 win away to Torpedo Kutaisi, completing a resounding 5-0 aggregate triumph.

After a tense opening half-hour, Stevan Jovetić produced a moment of class to volley the visitors in front before the interval. The second half saw Omonoia overwhelm their opponents with relentless attacking play.

Semedo added a second shortly after the restart following an incisive assist from Ewandro, before Jovetić struck again in the 63rd minute to effectively seal the tie. Semedo completed the rout with his second goal late on, ensuring a comprehensive victory.

Conference League – Second Qualifying Round, Second Leg

Puskás Academy 0-2 Aris Limassol (Agg: 2-5)

Aris Limassol secured their place in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League with a commanding 2-0 victory away to Puskás Academy, sealing a 5-2 aggregate win.

The visitors dominated large spells of the contest in Hungary and could have been out of sight by half-time. Montnor twice went close, Goldson headed narrowly wide, and Correia missed a one‑on‑one opportunity as Aris created several clear chances before the interval.

Puskás’ hopes of a comeback were dealt a major blow when striker Lamin Colley was dismissed in the second half, and Aris quickly took full advantage of the extra man.

Substitute Andronikos Kakoullis proved decisive after coming on in the 71st minute. Six minutes later, he pressed the Puskás goalkeeper, blocked his clearance and teed up Kvilitaia for the opener. Barely a minute later, Kakoullis struck himself – cutting inside from the right wing and curling an excellent left‑footed effort beyond the goalkeeper to double Aris’ lead.

The result completes a confident performance over two legs and sets up a third qualifying round tie against Greek side AEK Athens.