Turkish outfit Trabzonspor A.S. narrowly defeats the national Apollon Limassol

The Turkish outfit Trabzonspor A.S. narrowly defeated the national cup holders Apollon Limassol 2-1 in the first round of the UEFA Europa League Group J yesterday night at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia.

The home side took the lead in the 18th minute from the penalty kick which was awarded after Souleymane Bamba fouled Guie Gneki Abraham in the area. Gaston Sangoy slammed the spot kick down the center of the goal, giving Onur Kivrak no chance. However, their lead lasted just two minutes as Olcan Adin probed down the right and floated a cross into the area which Florent Malouda guided into the net with a fine header.

Both teams were looking for the winner in the second half and it was the Turkish team who eventually got it, four minutes before the end of the regular time. Yusuf Erdogan was slipped in by Adrian Mierzejewski and he slotted a first-time finish past Bruno Vale.

In the other Group J match, Lazio celebrated a 1-0 victory over Polish side Legia Warszawa in Rome.

Cyprus Mail