Apollon Limassol has returned to European competition after an absence of three to four years, facing Georgia's Dila Gori in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The match, held at the Tengiz Burjanadze Stadium, represents the team's official season opener under manager Hernán Losada. The club aims to secure a favorable result to gain an advantage for the historic second leg at the Alphamega Stadium in Limassol.

While Apollon enters the tie as they continue to finalize their roster, their opponents offer a distinct challenge due to their superior match fitness, having already played 19 games in the Georgian league this season. During the opening stages of the match, Apollon established an early lead in the 14th minute. Brandon Thomas scored the opening goal into an empty net following an assist from Konomis, who capitalized on defensive errors by the Georgian side. The outcome of this two-legged tie is critical for the Cypriot team, as an elimination would immediately end their European campaign for the current season.