- AEK Larnaca Draws, Apollon Defeated in Final Minute -
Cyprus’ two representatives were winless in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round. AEK Larnaca played to a 1-1 draw against Spartak Moskva at home while Apollon Limassol fell in stoppage time 2-1 away to Grasshopper.
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE - 3RD QUALIFYING ROUND, LEG 1
| AEK Larnaca | 1 - 1 | Spartak Moskva |
|---|---|---|
| Alves 65' | Ananidze 38' |
Spartak Moskva were the better side in today's match in Larnaca against AEK wasting many chances to put the game away early on. The Russian club opened the score in the 32nd minute with a great individual effort from Ananidze. In the second half, the hosts were able to pull level through Andre Alves' header in the 65th minute. The 1-1 result keeps Spartak Moskva as the favorites to progress to the next round before the second leg in Russia.
HIGHLIGHTS: AEK LARNACA - SPARTAK MOSKVA
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE - 3RD QUALIFYING ROUND, LEG 1
| Grasshopper | 2 - 1 | Apollon Limassol |
|---|---|---|
| Tabakovic 11' Lavanchy 90'+3' |
Gneki 76' |
Apollon Limassol made their debut in this years UEFA Europa League against Grasshoppers in Switzerland. The Cypriots wasted a great chance in the 10th minute when da Silva failed to score from the penalty spot and one minute later Grasshopper punished the visitors bty taking the 1-0 lead. In the final 15 minutes, Apollon was able to find the all-important away goal to bring the scores leveled 1-1. However, Grasshoppers came away with the late victory scoring in the third minute of stoppage time after Sachetti was sent off for Apollon only minutes before. Despite the loss, Apollon will only need a 1-0 victory in the return leg where they will host the Swiss club next Thursday.
