In a tightly contested Cypriot pre-season derby, Apollon Limassol FC came from behind to defeat APOEL Nicosia 2-1 in an International Club Friendly on August 10, 2025. APOEL took an early lead in front of their home supporters, but Apollon showcased their resilience with a strong second-half comeback. The visitors equalized shortly after the restart and then found a late winner to clinch the victory. The match was played at a high intensity typical of fixtures between these two historic rivals, with both managers using the opportunity to test new combinations. This result gives Apollon Limassol valuable momentum heading into the new season, while APOEL will be concerned by their inability to hold onto a lead.