AEL’s manager Charalambous Christodoulou was delighted with his team’s progression to the quarterfinals of the Cyprus Coca Cola Cup after a goalless second leg encounter against APOEL at the Tsirion Stadium in Limassol on Thursday afternoon.
“We had a 1-0 advantage from the first leg and we had to devise a style of play that would help us advance. The focus was on not conceding goals in the first half of the game. We managed to do that and even had a couple of opportunities to score in the second half,” said Christodoulou.
“There is a day of rest before we take on Anagennisi in Derynias in the league and we want to win that game in order to complete this week on a positive note. We were a bit lucky against APOEL as they had few quality chances to score, but we were focused and eventually kept a clean sheet. This was the case not just against APOEL, as our defence played at a high level many times this season and we want them to keep up the good work so that we can continue our winning streak,” he concluded.
AEL now carry on their league campaign Saturday evening at 7pm when they visit Anagennisi Derynias.
In the opening game of Round 22 Apollon host Omonia at the Tsirion Stadium at 3pm, while two hours later AEK take on Aris in Larnaca.
The match between Olympiakos and Alki at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia is scheduled to kick-off at 6pm.
The defending champions APOEL went into the game against AEL without a single fit central defender and the left back William Boaventura had to deputise in front of Dionisis Chiotis’ goal.
“I made several changes to the starting lineup comparing to the previous game, and also made some changes in the second half, but we failed to respond,” commented APOEL’s manager Ivan Jovanovic. “Our problem is that we currently suffer as a team due to injuries, but we have a large squad and I hope that we will get at least some of the players back to full fitness very soon.
“Just like any other great team we must be able to raise our performances to a higher level and achieve the goals we have set.”
His men will have a chance to redeem themselves on Sunday at 6pm when they host Nea Salamina in the capital.
In the other two matches that are scheduled for Sunday afternoon, Ethnikos Achnas face Enosis Neon Paralimni at 3pm, while at 5pm Ermis meet Anorthosis Ammochostos in Aradippou.
AEL top the league standings with 47 points, while Omonia are second with 46. APOEL hold the third position with 43 points and Anorthosis are in the final top playoff group berth with 41.
