AEL secures dramatic 2-1 home victory against Nea Salamina

AEL Limassol claimed a narrow 2-1 victory over Nea Salamina at the Alphamega Stadium on September 11, 2026, in the opening match of the third round of the Cyprus League by Stoiximan. AEL took the lead in the 43rd minute through a Sergio Conceicao penalty, awarded following a VAR review. Nea Salamina equalized in the 53rd minute via a goal from Grancir, while the visitors missed a penalty earlier in the first half when Giousis failed to convert. The match remained tied until Diogo Gomez scored the winning goal in the 90+6th minute, shortly after Nea Salamina player Angielski was sent off following a second yellow card.

The victory serves as a psychological boost for AEL, which had previously suffered a 6-0 defeat against APOEL. Despite the result, the team's overall performance drew criticism from fans and officials due to a perceived lack of cohesion. AEL coach Hugo Martins praised the players' mentality for not giving up, while Nea Salamina's coach, Angel Lopez, expressed dissatisfaction with the refereeing.

AEL is scheduled to play Pafos FC away on September 18, while Nea Salamina will host Anorthosis on September 19.