APOEL managed to get the victory against Omonia and stay in first place before the start of the play-offs. The "blue and yellows" were better for most of the match and with two penalties at the end of the first half they managed to take the victory with 2-1. For Omonia, Darbyshire reduced to 87. The difference in quality of the two teams on the field was obvious, a fact that played a role in its outcome.
They came together in the end
The first half was characterized by fast pace and ups and downs of the ball. APOEL was better than Omonia and deserved the goal, the "greens" also created phases.
In the 6th minute, Baral through the area after a cross by Milanov failed to make it 1-0 with a projection.
In the 23rd minute, Pieros, after a corner, failed to take advantage of Panagis' misplaced exit and make it 1-0 by turning through the area.
In the 25th minute, a shot by Baral was blocked by Panagi in a corner, with the Spaniard having much better options.
In the 28th minute, Clayton took a pass in the area from Christofis' turn, but his shot was weak and hit Milanov.
In the 30th minute, again from a corner, Jabere failed to send the ball close to the net with a double effort.
In the 32nd minute, APOEL counterattacked with Vander, the Brazilian entered the area, made the shot and forced Panagi to repel, while at the same time, Ephraim was alone on the penalty spot.
In the 37th minute, Merkis just caught up and with a projection drove in front of the "armed" Darbyshire. APOEL intensified the pressure in the last five minutes and in the 43rd minute, in a corner kick, Matt Darbyshire made a hand in the area with Masias giving the penalty. Pieros took over the execution and with a very nice execution made it 1-0.
With the resumption of the game, the "blue and yellows" won a penalty in the overthrow of Baral by Soiledis with the Spaniard making a panacea and making it 2-0. This was the last phase of the half with APOEL going with a strong lead in the locker rooms.
Low pace a few phases
The second half was by no means like the first since its pace was very low and the phases were few. Omonia, although it tried to put pressure, did not create phases that would threaten the home of APOEL.
In the 55th minute, Ephraim entered the area and with a shot forced Panagi to chase a corner. In the 62nd minute, Ephraim again made a nice fake place with Panagi chasing with over-tension in a corner.
Omonia was trying to control the match but could not have possession with APOEL and reach the opponent's home more easily.
The only phase that Omonia managed to create was in 84 'when Clayton entered the area, took out the cross and Jabere sent the ball with his head just outside his home.
In the 87th minute, Jabere made a tragic mistake and took out Darbyshire four-on-four with the Englishman not making a mistake and making it 2-1.
The last minutes passed with Omonia trying to equalize but not succeeding and APOEL to get the victory.
The eleven:
APOEL: Waterman, Ioannou, Giabere, Merkis, Milanov, Kanias (69 ′ Empesilio), Morais, Ephraim (79 ′ Aloneftis), Vander, Pieros (58 ′ De Camargo), Baral.
Concord: Panagi, Dimitriou (90 ζ Aziz), Soiledis, Vyntra, Katelaris (54 ′ Florescu), Margassa, Toure, Clayton, Christofi, Rousias (65 ′ Kyprou), Darbisaiar
Source: KATHIMERINI