The UEFA Champions League second qualifying round kicks off with an intriguing matchup as Cypriot champions APOEL host Moldovan title-holders Petrocub at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia on Tuesday evening.
Both sides enter this contest with high hopes of progressing, though APOEL’s European pedigree gives them a slight edge on paper. The Nicosia outfit are aiming to return to the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2017, while Petrocub are embarking on their maiden European campaign.
Team News, Injuries and Projected Lineups
APOEL manager Søren Lerby has a full squad to choose from, with no major injury concerns reported. The Danish tactician is expected to field his strongest XI in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Projected APOEL lineup: Belec, Drazic, Sarfo, Tejera, Marquinhos, Susic, Petrovic, Donis, Ndongala, Quintilla, Dvali
Petrocub boss Lilian Popescu also has no significant absentees and is likely to stick with the 4-3-3 system that served his team well in the previous round against Ordabasy.
Projected Petrocub lineup: Ambros, M. Platica, Douanla, Bors, S. Platica, Puscas, Jardan, Mudrac, Lungu, Abagna, Smalenea
Where to Watch
The match kicks off at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday, July 23. While no major international broadcasters have picked up the rights, local Cypriot and Moldovan channels are expected to provide coverage. Fans can also follow live updates on UEFA’s official website and social media channels.
Viewers from Cyprus can watch the live match on Cablenet Sports 1.
Form Guide and Key Stats
APOEL enter this tie on the back of an undefeated pre-season, though their last three friendlies all ended in draws. The Thrylos clinched their 29th Cypriot First Division title last season, edging out AEK Larnaca on head-to-head record after both finished on 73 points.
Key stat: APOEL have kept just two clean sheets in their last eight competitive matches.
Petrocub, meanwhile, are riding an impressive 33-game unbeaten streak across all competitions stretching back to September. They secured their first-ever Moldovan Super Liga crown last term and have already navigated one qualifying round, eliminating Kazakh side Ordabasy 1-0 on aggregate.
Key stat: Petrocub were the highest-scoring team in the Moldovan top flight last season with 59 goals.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first-ever meeting between APOEL and Petrocub. The Moldovan side’s only previous encounter with Cypriot opposition came in the 2019-20 Europa League qualifiers when they lost 2-0 on aggregate to AEK Larnaca.
Prediction and Analysis
While Petrocub’s recent form is impressive, APOEL’s vast European experience and home advantage make them slight favorites. The Cypriot champions have reached the Champions League group stage four times and even made it to the quarter-finals in 2011-12.
However, Petrocub shouldn’t be underestimated. Their unbeaten run and prolific attack suggest they could cause problems for an APOEL defense that has looked shaky at times.
A tight, cagey affair seems likely, with APOEL potentially edging it by a narrow margin. A 2-1 home win could be on the cards, leaving the tie delicately poised for the return leg in Moldova next week.
PREDICTED SCORE: APOEL 2-1 Petrocub
The outcome may well hinge on the performance of key players like APOEL’s Brazilian forward Marquinhos and Petrocub’s top scorer Mihail Platica. Whichever side can control the midfield battle and create more clear-cut chances will likely emerge victorious.
As both teams take their first steps on the long road to potential Champions League group stage qualification, fans can expect an intriguing tactical battle between two sides eager to make their mark on the European stage.
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