AEL and APOEL both bounced back from European disappointments on Monday after cruising to easy victories in their first games of the 2012-2013 football season.
Cypriot champions AEL, pipped to a place in the Champions League group stage by Anderlecht last week, coasted to a 3-1 win away to Doxa Katokopia in Larnaca while APOEL, who were stunned by Neftchi Baku in the Europa League playoffs, claimed a resounding 5-0 victory away to Enosis Neon Paralimniou.
Pambos Christodoulou’s side – who remain Cyprus’ sole representatives in Europa via the Europa League – got their title defence off to winning start against Doxa with all the action arriving in the second half.
Stelios Parpas got the ball rolling with a header on 47 minutes before Gilberto doubled the lead soon after. New signing Orlando Sa registered his first goal for the Limassol club on 77 minutes from the penalty spot while Doxa scored a late consolation goal through Ivory Coast forward Gaoussou Fofana.
AEL also had goalkeeper Matias Degra to thank after he made several key saves in the match especially in the first half when he saved Ricardo Fernandes’ penalty.
AEL also missed a penalty late on through Vouho. Doxa finished the game a man down after Pablo Suarez was sent off.
APOEL also hit back in style from their recent European exit by putting five past Enosis. Aldo Adorno was the match hero scoring a hat-trick while further goals from Gustavo Manduca (penalty) and Constantinos Charalambides ensured APOEL went joint top of the standings alongside Omonia.