Alpha News

APOEL: Derailment and Seeking a New Counterattack

Published January 19, 2026, 06:36

APOEL left Limassol without any points, losing 1-2 to Apollon and dropping to sixth place in the standings. The team from the capital put in a lackluster performance and made serious mistakes that cost them the defeat. The match was marred by three disastrous errors from APOEL, resulting in two conceded goals and the sending off of goalkeeper Belec. Defensive errors gave Apollon the opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot, while Belec's dismissal left APOEL with ten men. Despite a quick goal from Laifi in the second half, which brought APOEL back into the game, Garcia's team failed to turn the situation around. A last-minute header from the APOEL goalkeeper did not result in a goal. APOEL coach Garcia emphasized the need to strengthen the squad due to the numerous injuries the team is facing. The absences of Sotiriou, Maioli, Dalsio, Rosa, and Mayer create problems for the team's planning. The focus now shifts to the game against Omonia Aradippou, where APOEL will aim to return to winning ways.