- Omonia Eliminated on Away Goals, AEK Larnaca Through -
Despite defeating Beitar Jerusalem 3-2 in the 2nd leg of the UEFA Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round, Omonia was eliminated by the away goals rule (3-3 on aggregate). AEK Larnaca defeated Cliftonville in the return leg, winning 5-2 on aggregate, and will now face Spartak Moskva in the 3rd Qualifying Round.
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE - 2ND QUALIFYING (LEG 2)
| Omonia | 3 - 2 | Beitar Jerusalem |
|---|---|---|
| Agaiev 26' Sheridan (p) 45' Roushias 81' |
(3 - 3*) Agg. |
Atzili 17', (p) 45' |
Omonia lost the first leg 1-0 in Israel and needed a victory by two goals to advance to the Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round (a 1-0 victory would send the game to extra time). The Cypriots got off to a rough start, falling behind in the 17th minute. Omonia responded nine minutes later to bring the score level 1-1 (1-2 on aggregate). Late in the second half, Beitar Jerusalem converted from the penalty spot for the 1-2 lead before Omonia equalized in stoppage with a penalty of their own. With the score at 2-2, Omonia needed two goals to advance and Roushias brought the Cypriots back in contention with a goal in 81st minute. However, Omonia could not find their fourth goal of the night and they were eliminated from the Europa League by the away goals rule, despite tying 3-3 on aggregate.
HIGHLIGHTS: OMONIA - BEITAR JERUSALEM
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE - 2ND QUALIFYING (LEG 2)
| AEK Larnaca | 2 - 0 | Cliftonville |
|---|---|---|
| Boljevic 45' Tomas 48' |
(5 - 2) Agg. |
Things were better for AEK Larnaca who defeated Cliftonville in Northern Ireland 2-3 in the first leg. Cliftonville went down a man very early in the game (11th minute) when Bonner was sent of with a straight red card. A fantastic goal late in the first half from Boljevic gave AEK Larnaca the 1-0 lead before Tomas secured AEK’s place in the 3rd Qualifying Round with a goal 3 minutes after the restart. AEK Larnaca will have a tough task ahead of them in the 3rd Qualifying Round where they will play Russian side, Spartak Moskva. The first leg will be played in Cyprus one week from today.
