Apollon Limassol 3-2 Aris Limassol | Cypriot First Division | 16 May 2026

Apollon Limassol won a thrilling Limassol derby against city rivals Aris Limassol by a 3-2 scoreline at the Alphamega Stadium. The match had everything: early goals, a comeback, a red card, and a dramatic late winner that kept Apollon's European qualification hopes alive in the Cypriot First Division.

Match Summary

The derby exploded into life within the first 10 minutes. Apollon took the lead in the 6th minute when a cross from the left was headed powerfully into the net by their towering striker. But Aris responded immediately, equalising just three minutes later through a well‑struck volley from the edge of the box.

Apollon regained the lead in the 22nd minute. A quick free‑kick caught the Aris defence napping, and the ball was squared for a simple tap‑in at the far post. 2‑1 to the home side, and the stadium was rocking.

Second Half Drama

Aris came out fighting after the break and levelled again in the 50th minute. A corner was headed back across goal, and a forward stretched to prod the ball home from close range. At 2‑2, the game was finely poised.

The turning point came in the 67th minute. Aris Limassol were reduced to ten men after a dangerous tackle on the halfway line. Apollon immediately pushed for a winner, and their pressure paid off in the 82nd minute. A sweeping move ended with a low drive from 18 yards that nestled into the bottom corner. 3‑2, and the home fans erupted.

Standout Players

Apollon's attacking midfielder was the man of the match, providing two assists and scoring the winner. He was at the heart of everything good about Apollon's play. For Aris, the centre‑forward who scored both goals showed his quality, but the red card ultimately left his team unable to hold on.

Derby Atmosphere

The Limassol derby is always a fierce contest, and this edition lived up to the billing. The stadium was nearly full, and the noise levels were intense throughout. The win could prove crucial for Apollon's season, as they now sit fourth in the Cypriot First Division, just two points behind third‑placed AEK Larnaca with four matches remaining.

Table Impact

Apollon Limassol's victory keeps them firmly in the hunt for a Europa Conference League spot. Aris, now in fifth place, are four points behind Apollon but have a game in hand. The defeat was particularly hard to take given the manner of the equalisers and the late winner.