AEK has kicked off the new season on the right foot as they took a vital lead in their Europa Conference League tie against Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
Enosi secured an important 1-0 win over the Israeli side at Agia Sophia Stadium on Friday morning (AEST), seizing the advantage in the tie to give them something to protect ahead of next week’s second leg.
The hosts owed the victory to a 50th minute goal from centre half Filipe Relvas, the only thing that split the two sides on the day.
The victory marked an important triumph in the maiden competitive game under new coach Marko Nikolic, which they will no do doubt take confidence in as they continue their push to qualify for the Conference League.
It was a less impressive start in the qualifiers for Aris as they fell 2-1 away to Araz Naxcivan, setting up a must-win contest in Thessaloniki next week.
The “yellow-blacks” opened the scoring, thanks to a strike from their chief marksman, Loren Moron, in the 66th minute.
The Azerbaijani team managed to bring it level and even seize the lead for themselves shortly after through two quickfire goals from Felipe Santos ad Patrick Andrade in the 75th and 78th minute respectively.
It is a poor start to Aris’ European campaign, something they hope will not cost them dearly as they prepare for next week’s epic decider back in Greece.
Omonia has sealed an important advantage in their tie with Torpedo Kutaisi after earning a 1-0 win at home.
The Nicosia-based side found the winning goal in the 20th minute via Stevan Jovetic, with the solitary goal the only thing separating the two sides heading into the second leg.
Aris Limassol fought their way to a 3-2 home win over Puskas, securing the win despite a comeback from two goals down by the Hungarian outfit.
The Cypriot side stormed into an early two-nil lead after scoring twice inside the first 16 minutes, the first coming from Jaden Montnor (6′) and the second coming from a Giorgi Kvilitaia penalty (16′).
The hosts were in cruise control of the game until a second half brace from Lamin Colley (77′, 81′) changed the complexion of the match, though the Cypriot club managed to score one more time through Edi Semedo in the 87th minute to ensure an advantage in the tie.
AEK Larnaca emerged from their Europa League tie with NK Celje in good spirits after fighting their way to a 1-1 away draw.
The Slovenian side broke through in the 28th minute, courtesy of a Franko Kovacevic penalty, before the Larnaca side levelled it up via a penalty goal of their own in the 53rd minute from Hrvoje Milicevic.
It is a positive result for AEK Larnaca, who stands in a strong position heading into the second leg in Cyprus.
