Apollon’s European run in the Conference League came to an inglorious end following a 4-2 overtime loss (2-1 in regulation) to Brann at the “Alphamega Stadium.”
The “blue-and-whites” paid the price for their poor defensive performance, as they failed on two occasions to capitalize on the lead they held, ultimately resulting in their elimination.
As for the match itself: The visitors were fortunate to open the scoring in the 16th minute through Ingason, thereby leveling the aggregate score from the first leg. From that point on, the home team dominated, creating several chances, and the breakthrough came in the 86th minute with an unstoppable shot by Ljubic, who tied the game. The Norwegians, however, weren’t done yet, as Holm scored with a header in the 90+6th minute, sending the match into extra time.
In the first half of the 30-minute extra time, there were three goals, as Apollon equalized in the 92nd minute to make it 2-2 through Weisbeck, but Holm put Brann back in front just two minutes later. In the 105th minute, Eriksen sealed the final 4-2 score, allowing the Norwegians to celebrate their advancement.
Highlights of the match
(coming soon)
Apollon: Koun, Gaspar (89’ Siikkis), Konomis, Kvidta (89’ Aivou), Malekidis, Ljubic, Brown, Weisbeck (106’ Duodou), Thomas (74’ Assunção), Eskritse (90+1’ Balogiannis), Ozbolt (74’ Ugbo)