Cypriot Clubs Set Up Tense Second Legs After Mixed European Results

Champions League – Second Qualifying Round, First Leg (AlphaMega Stadium, Limassol)

Pafos 1-1 Maccabi Tel-Aviv

Pafos were denied a memorable victory in the most dramatic fashion, conceding an equaliser in the tenth minute of added time.

The hosts thought they had secured a famous win late on when substitute Mons Bassouamina scored with a spectacular overhead kick, capitalising on a deflected effort from Mislav Oršić. The goal transformed the atmosphere in Limassol, with Pafos pushing for a second as substitute Jajá caused problems for the Maccabi defence.

However, deep into stoppage time, Elad Madmon’s header levelled the tie following a defensive lapse, leaving the contest finely balanced ahead of the second leg. The return fixture will take place at the TSC Arena in Serbia due to the ongoing situation in Israel.

Europa Conference League – Second Qualifying Round, First Leg

Aris Limassol 3-2 Puskas Academy

Aris Limassol take a narrow lead into the second leg after a dramatic 3-2 win over Puskas Academy.

The Cypriot side raced into an early advantage, with goals from Jaden Montnor and Giorgi Kvilitaia (penalty) putting them 2-0 up inside 16 minutes. However, the visitors mounted a late comeback, equalising through Lamin Colley’s quick-fire brace in the 77th and 81st minutes.

Just as momentum seemed to shift, substitute Edi Semedo restored Aris’s lead with a decisive 87th-minute header, giving Artem Radkov’s team a slender but crucial advantage.

Europa Conference League – Second Qualifying Round, First Leg

Omonoia 1-0 Torpedo Kutaisi

A solitary strike from Stevan Jovetić proved enough to secure Omonoia a first-leg advantage over Torpedo Kutaisi.

The Montenegrin forward struck in the 20th minute, but despite dominating possession, Omonoia were unable to add to their lead. Loizos Loizou was twice denied by the visiting goalkeeper, while further half-chances went begging in a low-tempo encounter.

The Cypriot side will take their narrow lead into the return leg, though a more clinical performance will be required to ensure safe passage to the next round.

Europa League – Second Qualifying Round, First Leg

Celje 1-1 AEK Larnaca

AEK Larnaca remain level with Celje after a hard-fought draw in Slovenia, with both goals coming from the penalty spot.

Celje struck first through Nikola Kovacevic in the 28th minute, but AEK responded after the break when Milicevic converted their own spot-kick. Clear chances were limited, and head coach Imanol Idiakez described the tie as “50-50” ahead of the decisive second leg in Larnaca.