AEL Limassol take first derby of the season
 

CYPRIOT 1st DIVISION - MATCHDAY 3

Matchday three hosted the first derby of the 2018/19 Cypriot League season and it was AEL Limassol that took the three points on the road against Anorthosis at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium in Larnaca. Anorthosis had plenty of chances, but AEL scored the only goal of the match, moving them to the top of the table with 3 wins in as many matches.

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Anorthosis showed their intentions early on and before the first minute was completed, they lost their first chance. Andraz Struna sent the ball from the right side, however Beka Mikeltadze’s header went just off target. In the 17th minute, Nosa Igiebor went on the counter for the hosts and sent the ball to Michal Duris whose finish was well wide of Patryk Procek’s net. Four minutes later, Anorthosis had another big chance, Struna produced the cross but Ruben Rayos sent the ball well over the post. Moments later it was Daniel Pranjic’s turn, but Kevin Lafrance stopped him before he was able to shoot, the ball reached Rayos who unleashed a shot heading straight to the net, but Jon Gaztanaga headed the ball out for a corner kick.

It took AEL 25 minutes to create their first effort when Nils Teixeira’s headed effort from a corner was saved from point blank range before the Anorthosis defense cleared the danger. While Anorthosis looked to control the game, a mistake from Douglao put AEL in front. The Brazilian defender attempted to return the ball back to his goalkeeper, but Ruben Jurado was there to steal it forcing Vargic to concede a penalty. Alex da Silva was correct from the spot giving AEL the lead in the 38th minute, with the halftime score ending 1:0.

The second half saw Anorthosis come in on the attack looking to bring things even. Five minutes into the second half, Rayos’ bypassed AEL’s defense with personal effort as he passed for Igiebor, but his shot was stopped by Procek. Anorthosis kept controlling the pace of the game, but two attempts from Nika Kacharava and Joao Victor did not threaten Procek. Despite being pushed back in their third of the pitch, AEL held their lead and managed to escape with three points from a difficult road trip.

by Marios Antoniou

Image Source: onsports.gr

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