APOEL defeats Anorthosis in a tense pre-season friendly

On August 16, 2026, APOEL secured a 3-1 victory against Anorthosis in a pre-season friendly match held at the Freedom Antonis Papadopoulos stadium. The match was defined by intense physical play, resulting in 34 fouls and 8 yellow cards, with brief skirmishes between players forcing calm to be restored multiple times. APOEL's goals came from an own goal by Karamanolis, a solo effort by Sastre, and a direct corner kick by Rosa. Anorthosis managed to score once through Furtado.

The game served as a critical evaluation for coaches Nestor El Maestro and Nikos Papadopoulos ahead of the upcoming league season. Despite the competitive atmosphere, the event featured a gesture of mutual respect as the management of both clubs observed the match together in the same VIP area. Anorthosis continues to navigate a challenging period characterized by a transfer embargo, with coach El Maestro focusing on developing his current squad's potential.

Looking ahead, both teams intend to build on their physical and tactical preparation before the official start of the championship. While the match concluded with a clear scoreline, the primary focus for both technical staffs remains the integration of new players and the refinement of team identity for the new season.