With their return to Cyprus, both teams’ preparations have entered the final stretch. Apollon and AEK will face off in their final friendly match (7:30 p.m.) at Alpha Mega Stadium before the start of the official season.

The “blue-and-whites” have returned to their “home base,” having completed the main phase of their preseason training. Hernán Lozada’s team made a positive impression with a 3-0 record in friendly matches against Roda Raalte (1-0), Utrecht (1-0), and Go Ahead Eagles (3-0).

In this particular match, the Spanish coach is expected to field the same starting lineup he plans to use for the second qualifying round of the Conference League, where, barring any surprises, they will likely face Dila Gori.

The Georgians have one foot in the next round, as they defeated Virtus 3-1 in the first leg, securing a significant advantage in the series. The rematch is scheduled for Thursday (July 16, 10:00 p.m.).

In contrast, after spending a little over two weeks in the Netherlands, the Larnaca team recorded one victory against Helmond Sport (2-1) and two losses against PAOK (3-2) and Ajax (1-0), respectively.

In the three friendlies played on Dutch soil, Mauro Camoranesi had the opportunity to give players some playing time and draw useful conclusions ahead of the upcoming official matches.

Now, the “yellow-and-greens” are called upon to put their best foot forward in their final warm-up match before the “battles” against Beitar in the second qualifying round of the Conference League.