Cyprus League: Game Week 17 Roundup

AEL 0-2 Omonoia

Omonoia claimed a 2–0 away win over AEL at the Alphamega Stadium, moving five points clear at the top of the table, at least until Monday.

Jovetić opened the scoring in the 19th minute, arriving unmarked at the back post to convert a set-piece delivery from Tanković, while Fabiano was decisive at the other end, producing a series of important saves to preserve the lead as AEL pressed for an equaliser.

AEL had their moments, particularly late in the first half and during spells of the second, but struggled to turn pressure into clear chances.

The result was sealed in the 87th minute when Mmaee scored against his former club, with the goal confirmed after a VAR review.

APOEL 2-1 Akritas

APOEL claimed a hard-fought 2–1 victory over a stubborn and well-organised Akritas side at the GSP, in a match that tested both their patience and composure. Despite controlling possession for long spells, the hosts struggled to turn dominance into goals and were twice denied by the woodwork, while also seeing a first-half penalty saved.

The breakthrough eventually came in the 59th minute through Dražić, who finished calmly inside the area. However, APOEL’s lead was short-lived, as Akritas responded almost immediately, with Miller equalising and shifting the momentum in favour of the visitors. For a period, Akritas looked capable of taking something from the game, growing in confidence and putting APOEL under pressure.

As the match wore on, APOEL pushed forward in search of a winner but continued to waste clear opportunities, with Dražić missing from a promising position late on. The decisive moment arrived in the closing stages when Dražić was fouled in the box, earning a penalty in the 88th minute. The Serbian striker stepped up himself and converted, completing his brace and securing all three points.

Aris 1-0 AEK

Aris returned to winning ways with a 1–0 victory over AEK in Limassol, climbing to third place on 34 points after a month without a win. In a derby low on quality and clear chances, the hosts eventually found a breakthrough late on, giving them a timely psychological boost ahead of the run-in.

The decisive moment came in the 85th minute when Charalambos Charalambous struck from the edge of the area, while goalkeeper Vana Alves played a crucial role with several important saves to keep AEK at bay. AEK had the better opportunities earlier in the match but failed to make them count and slipped to fourth place, as Aris held on to claim all three points despite finishing the game with ten men following a late Matysik red card.

Paralimni 0-1 Apollon

Apollon claimed a narrow but controlled 1–0 away victory against Paralimni, a result that could prove crucial in the battle for the top six.

The match was largely shaped by Apollon’s fast start. From the opening minutes they imposed their rhythm, pressed high and looked to settle the contest early. That approach paid off in the 8th minute when a Spoljaric cross led to Marques striking the post, with Thomas reacting quickest to score from close range.

Despite the slender scoreline keeping the contest alive, Apollon managed the game well in the closing stages, limiting Paralimni’s threat and seeing out the match with relative composure.

Anorthosis 1-0 Ethnikos

Anorthosis claimed their first home win of the season with a 1–0 victory over Ethnikos Achn, moving up to 17 points. The decisive moment came in the 40th minute when Sensi converted a penalty, awarded after a handball inside the area.

The hosts controlled possession for long spells but created few clear chances, with their best opportunities coming either side of the interval. Ethnikos threatened mainly on the counter and went closest in the second half through Machado, but Anorthosis remained defensively solid and saw out the match to secure all three points.

Krasava 1-0 Olympiakos

Krasava claimed a vital 1–0 victory over Olympiakos, boosting their survival hopes despite remaining in second from bottom place and moving to within three points of the teams above the relegation zone.

Olympiakos dominated possession and created several chances, but an outstanding display from goalkeeper Zadro kept them at bay. Against the run of play, Krasava struck in the 21st minute when Ba finished from close range after a well worked move down the left. Olympiakos thought they had equalised in the second half, but a VAR review ruled out Tavares’ goal for handball. Krasava then managed the closing stages intelligently to secure a crucial three points, while the defeat leaves Olympiakos looking nervously over their shoulder.

Pafos 2-0 Omonoia Aradippou

Albert Celades started his spell at Pafos with a win, as the champions edged past Omonoia Aradippou 2–0 thanks to goals from Correia and Jaja, moving to within two points of the leaders, with the derby against APOEL still to come.

Pafos broke the deadlock early through Correia after a Bruno cross and controlled much of the game, though Omonoia Aradippou remained competitive and had moments where they threatened an equaliser. Goalkeeper Michail was kept busy, while Pafos wasted several chances, particularly after Jaja’s introduction. The Brazilian eventually sealed the win deep into stoppage time, securing all three points for the home side.