Apoel secures dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Omonia Aradippou

Apoel achieved a significant 2-1 away victory against Omonia Aradippou at the AEK Arena on November 1, 2026, in the 8th round of the Cyprus League. The match began poorly for the visitors, who were reduced to ten men after Sastre received a straight red card in the 30th second for a dangerous challenge on Gonzalez. Omonia Aradippou also saw their numbers reduced to ten in the 36th minute when De Marco was sent off following a second yellow card.

The deadlock was broken in the 72nd minute by Petrovic for the hosts, but Tasos Bakasetas quickly equalized for Apoel in the 77th minute. Bakasetas then secured the win by converting a penalty in the 89th minute, which was awarded following a VAR review for a foul by Havelka on Djuricic. Despite Apoel hitting the woodwork three times, goalkeeper Vid Belec made crucial late saves to preserve the lead.

Both coaches reflected on the intensity of the game, with Apoel's Nikos Papadopoulos praising his team's mental resilience and "winner's mentality," while Omonia's Giannos Okkas cited fatigue and lack of experience as factors in his side's inability to hold their lead. This result marks Apoel's first away win of the season and moves them to within three points of the league leaders.