AEK Larnaca — APOEL : Match Preview and Prediction for October 27,2025

The Aftermath of a Historic Victory

AEK delivered the week’s biggest sensation by defeating Crystal Palace 1-0 in London. This marks a historic achievement, the first victory for a Cypriot club on English soil, a triumph that has resonated across Europe. However, every medal has its flip side.

Physical and Emotional Drain

This momentous game, played just four days ago, exacted a colossal toll on the team’s physical and emotional reserves. Looking at the raw statistics of that match, AEK managed only 33% possession, with a mere 4 shots on goal compared to the opponent’s 15. The Expected Goals (xG) stood at a stark 0.17 against Palace’s 1.66. These numbers don’t speak of dominance but rather tactical resilience and a significant stroke of luck, which is notoriously difficult to replicate match after match.

Mounting Injury Concerns

Adding to their woes, that hard-fought victory came at a considerable cost. Early in the London encounter, forward Jerson Chacon was stretchered off the field. The official diagnosis, confirmed by the club on October 26th, is a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. This devastating injury means the loss of one of their starting strikers, who had netted 3 goals in 15 appearances, for an extended period. Furthermore, two other crucial players remain in the infirmary: key midfielder Ángel García and another starting forward, Enzo Cabrera. These are three severe blows to AEK’s attacking potential.

APOEL’s Controlled Preparation

While AEK was busy achieving its European feat, APOEL calmly and systematically prepared for the domestic derby. Their latest match was a confident 5-0 victory in the Cypriot Cup against AEZ Zakakiou. The team is in excellent form and approaches the upcoming clash fresh and well-rested.

Statistical Dominance and Current Form

APOEL is currently on a strong run, unbeaten in their last 6 games and avoiding defeat in 14 of their last 19 away matches. These are not just claims, but facts supported by robust statistics. In the current league season, APOEL leads in several key metrics: most shots per game, most successful dribbles, best average possession, and the highest number of clean sheets. The team has netted 16 goals in 7 games while conceding only 4.

Minimal Injury Worries for APOEL

APOEL’s squad issues are negligible compared to their opponent’s losses. Rotation players Gabriel Mayoli and Giannis Satsias are injured, but the core of the team remains intact. Coach Pablo García has all his main players available to tackle significant challenges.