First Half

Aris started the game on the front foot, showing their attacking intent early on. They thought they had taken the lead in just the 3rd minute, only to see their goal disallowed. However, Aris’s persistence paid off in the 12th minute when Giorgi Kvilitaia found the back of the net, putting the home side ahead. The goal energised Aris, and they continued to press forward, creating opportunities and dominating possession.

Their pressure yielded a second goal in the 24th minute as Leo Bengtsson scored, giving Aris a comfortable 2-0 lead. At this point, it looked as though Aris might run away with the game, but Nea Salamis responded quickly. Just four minutes later, in the 28th minute, Apostolos Vellios converted a chance for Nea Salamis, making the score 2-1.

The first half was also marked by a series of fouls and yellow cards. Konstantinos Koumpari received a yellow card in the 17th minute for Nea Salamis, and Yannick Gomis was shown yellow in the 36th minute for Aris.

Second Half

The second half saw fewer scoring opportunities but maintained high intensity. Aris continued to hold the majority of possession, finishing the game with 61% of the ball, while Nea Salamis fought hard to find an equaliser.

Several substitutions were made as both managers attempted to change the game’s dynamic. For Aris Limassol, Mayambela was replaced by Jaden Montnor in the 67th minute, while Struski made way for Veljko Nikolic in the 68th minute. Aris also made adjustments, bringing on Anderson Correia and Milosz Matysik to add fresh energy.

The game’s physical tone continued into the second half, with yellow cards shown to Apostolos Vellios in the 56th minute, Jan Lecjaks in the 81st minute, and Mihlali Mayambela just after the break in the 48th minute. Despite their determination, Nea Salamis could not overcome Aris’s defense, and the match ended in a 2-1 victory for the home side.

Match Statistics

Aris controlled the game with 61% possession and registered 19 goal attempts compared to Nea Salamis’s 7. They also had 5 shots on target to Nea Salamis’s 2, showing their attacking dominance. Despite being on the back foot, Nea Salamis defended well, with their goalkeeper making crucial saves.