AEK Larnaca secured a narrow 2-1 victory over local rivals Nea Salamis in an international club friendly played on 27 September 2026 at the AEK Arena in Larnaca. The match, which kicked off at 22:00 local time, served as a competitive tune-up for both Cypriot sides and delivered a lively contest decided by a late second-half goal.

Match Overview

With no league points at stake, both managers used the fixture to test squad depth, experiment with formations, and give valuable minutes to returning players. AEK Larnaca lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, looking to dominate possession through the midfield, while Nea Salamis set up in a compact 4-4-2, aiming to absorb pressure and strike on the counter.

The opening exchanges were cagey, with neither side willing to commit too many players forward. AEK gradually gained control, stringing together passes in the opposition half, and their patience paid off midway through the first period.

Key Moments

• 34' – AEK Larnaca 1-0: Andreas Makris broke the deadlock with a composed finish from inside the box after a neat exchange on the right flank. The forward shifted the ball onto his left foot and curled it beyond the Nea Salamis goalkeeper.
• 61' – AEK Larnaca 1-1: Nea Salamis responded after the break. Rafael Lopes timed his run perfectly to meet a low cross and tapped in from close range, silencing the home support.
• 78' – AEK Larnaca 2-1: Ivan Jovanović restored AEK's lead with a powerful header from a corner. The midfielder rose highest at the near post and directed the ball into the far corner.
• 90+3' – Late pressure: Nea Salamis pushed for an equalizer, forcing a sharp save from the AEK goalkeeper, but the home defence held firm.

Tactical Story

AEK Larnaca's midfield double pivot controlled the tempo, constantly switching play and drawing Nea Salamis out of their defensive block. The hosts' full-backs pushed high, creating overloads in wide areas, which led to the opening goal. Nea Salamis, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the break and found joy down the left channel, especially in the second half after making several substitutions.

The game turned into a more open affair after the hour mark. Nea Salamis's equalizer forced AEK to raise their intensity, and the introduction of fresh legs in wide positions ultimately turned the tide. The winning goal came from a set-piece, an area AEK had clearly targeted in training.

Standout Players

Andreas Makris (AEK Larnaca) was a constant threat, linking play and scoring the opener. His movement between the lines caused problems all evening.

Ivan Jovanović (AEK Larnaca) grew into the game and delivered the decisive moment with a towering header. He also completed the most passes in the final third for the hosts.

Rafael Lopes (Nea Salamis) took his goal well and was his team's most dangerous outlet, holding the ball up and bringing others into play.

Nea Salamis's goalkeeper made several important saves to keep the score respectable, including a one-on-one stop in the first half.

Season Impact and What’s Next

Although this international club friendly will not appear in any league standings, the result offers both sides useful momentum ahead of their domestic campaigns. For AEK Larnaca, the win reinforces their attacking depth and set-piece threat. For Nea Salamis, the performance showed resilience and the ability to compete against stronger opposition on the road.

The two clubs have now met in a friendly for the second consecutive season, continuing a local rivalry that always draws a passionate crowd. AEK Larnaca will next return to league action, while Nea Salamis will look to build on this display in their upcoming fixtures. The head-to-head record in these exhibition matches remains tight, with AEK Larnaca edging ahead after this 2-1 result.

Match Facts

• Competition: International Club Friendly
• Date: 27 September 2026
• Kick-off: 22:00 local time
• Venue: AEK Arena, Larnaca
• Final Score: AEK Larnaca 2-1 Nea Salamis
• Goals: Makris 34', Jovanović 78' (AEK Larnaca); Lopes 61' (Nea Salamis)