CYPRIOT FIRST LEAGUE ROUND 22 REVIEW

CYPRIOT FIRST LEAGUE ROUND 22 REVIEW

By Chrisos Mavromoustakos

A disappointing derby, goal fests, late dramas and braces all heat up the round of 22 of the Cypriot First League as clubs look to grab their final places before the playoff rounds of the Championship Group and the Relegation Group.

Nea Salamis v Apollon

Coming into the match, Nea Salamis have had a bad slump of form, with their last win coming in the cup against Pafos FC on the 30th of January. Nea Salamis’ last league win was on the 12th of January. Apollon go into this match, with progression to the next stage of the cup and a few wins under their belt. A penalty miss and then a goal from Papoulis sealed an early goal, whilst 2 goals in 2 minutes for both sides evened out the contest, making it a 1-2 lead to Apollon. However, an 88th minute goal for Apollon ultimately sealed the match, resulting in Nea Salamis continuing their slump, and Apollon taking away a crucial 3 points.

FT: 1-3
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Doxa v Pafos FC

Let’s face it, Doxa have had a terrible season. They are dead last, sitting 9 points off second last, and have only won 2 whole games this season. This is a different story for Pafos FC, who have not lost in over a month, their last loss was on the 30th of January, and in the league their last loss was on the 7th of January. Wins against APOEL, Apollon and AEL put the club as heavy favourites to win this one. A one goal first half led to Pafos putting their foot on the pedal for the second half. Resulting in 3 goals in the second half and an own goal for Doxa. A demoralising defeat to ultimately cement Doxa’s position in last going into the playoffs. Ouch.

FT: 0-4
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AEL Lemesos v Ethnikos Achnas

AEL went into this match having drawn 4 straight games. Achnas came into the match with 2 big wins against two of the biggest clubs in Cyprus. Head to head wise, AEL had won 3 out of the last 4 before this match. This form would continue to 4 wins out of 5, the last time Achnas has won this fixture dates back to 2016. AEL had scored 4 goals by the 62nd minute and the game was effectively wrapped up. A consolation goal by Achnas on the 90th minute only provided them with the bragging rights of taking away the home sides’ clean sheet. However, Achnas sit second last, opening up the relegation battle even further.

FT: 4-1
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ENP v Olympiakos Nicosia

A quest for survival, as both sides sit 10th and 9th respectively. Paralimni go into the match only losing 1 out of their last 4, and the same applies with Olympiakos Nicosia. Head to head wise, the last 3 fixtures before this one resulted in draws, so someone grabbing three points was always on both sides’ agenda. A stale first half led to a goal fest of a second half by the home side. 2 late goals and a brace from Sadik ultimately allowed the side to grab 3 points and change the head to head stat to a win for the side from Paralimni. Olympiakos still sit above ENP, but only just, as they are two points ahead of them. The relegation battle is going to be close.

FT: 3-0
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Anorthosis v AEK Larnaca

A fixture of heavyweights, Anorthosis need the 3 points to prove their point as the best team in the land, whilst AEK need these 3 points to catch up to the rest of the pack. AEK are in amazing form, with their last loss coming a month ago on the 4th of February. Anorthosis, although winning their last game, look to bounce back after a demoralising loss to Achnas by 5 goals. A brace for Trickovski, who seems to be AEK’s main man helped their side grab the victory. Another late goal on the 90th minute can only allow for the clean sheet to be shattered. Anorthosis are handed another loss, pushing them to second place, but only just.

FT: 1-2
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APOEL v Omonia

The Nicosia Derby, between two heavyweights has in the past decided trophies and bragging rights for the respective colours of the city. APOEL look to bounce back after getting knocked out of the UEFA Europa League, and Omonia know that a point or win could get them to the top of the table. This fixture has been one sided for quite some years, the last time Omonia has won the derby was all the way back in 2013! Omonia need this more than APOEL to end the drought and to claim themselves as league leaders going into the playoffs. The game provided no goals unfortunately, with APOEL being the better side, having 16 shots compared to Omonia’s 6. APOEL had 6 shots on target, none converted to goals. The point however added a boost to Omonia as they go to the playoffs in the lead, whilst APOEL continue their 7-year unbeaten run in the derby.

FT: 0-0
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