APOEL moved one step closer to clinch a record-equalling fifth consecutive league title on Sunday after beating hated rivals Omonia to move seven points clear in the end-of-season playoffs.

January arrival Lorenzo Ebecilio scored the only goal of the game in the fourth minute but the win was marred by crowd trouble outside the GSP Stadium as APOEL and Omonia fans clashed.

APOEL boss Thomas Christiansen also lost Ebecilio and Giorgos Merkis to injury.

The win left APOEL seven points clear of second place Apollon Limassol – who lost 3-1 to Anorthosis Famagusta on Saturday – while third place AEK Larnaca also failed to capitalise after going down 2-1 to AEL in the other big game on Sunday.

In the second playoff group – where sixth place will be decided and which team will join AEZ and Anagennises in the second division next season – relegation battlers Doxa Katokopia moved within three points of fellow strugglers Aris. Karmiotissa almost ensured their survival after beating Nea Salamina 2-0.

Doxa drew 3-3 with Ethnikos while Aris lost 2-1 to Ermis.

Cyprus Weekly