APOEL took a big step towards clinching a fifth consecutive league title on Monday night after defeating AEL 2-0 in Nicosia.

The Cypriot champions dominated in terms of possession and chances while AEL rarely threatened APOEL keeper Boy Waterman. APOEL took the lead in first half stoppage time when AEL defender Andreas Kyriakou handled the ball in the area and Pieros Sotiriou stepped up to convert the spot-kick.

APOEL put themselves firmly in the driving seat minutes after the restart when Roger Canas opened his account for Thomas Christiansen’s side with a strike from just outside the area.

APOEL missed further chances to score with Stathis Aloneftis and George Merkis hitting the post.

The victory lifted APOEL seven points ahead of second place Apollon Limassol with the league title race currently in the end-of-season playoffs.

The league championship will now be put on hold ahead of the international break.

Cyprus Weekly