AEK Larnaca is set to host Beitar Jerusalem on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 19:30 at the AEK Arena for the first leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round. This match marks the competitive debut of AEK's new coach, Mauro Camoranesi, who stated that his primary focus during the preparation period was establishing a tactical philosophy and integrating new players through friendly matches against Ajax and PAOK.

The final squad list for the competition includes key players like Riad Bajic, who remains a primary option for the attack. In a last-minute adjustment, coach Camoranesi added Waldo Rubio to the European squad, replacing Petros Ioannou. Ioannou and Enric Saborit are unavailable for this opening match due to suspensions. Additional players including Nicolas Andereggen, Chacon, Hairo, and Cabrera have been omitted from the list due to fitness concerns or tactical decisions.

Beitar Jerusalem coach Almog Cohen acknowledged AEK's quality and experience, noting that his team has arrived in Cyprus with the goal of securing a positive result. The match concludes a period of intensive preparation for the home side, with management looking to leverage the team's home-field advantage to establish a lead ahead of the return leg.