AEK Larnaca Cites Heat and Humidity After Narrow Loss to Beitar Jerusalem

AEK Larnaca began their European campaign with a 0-1 home defeat against Beitar Jerusalem on July 23, 2026, leaving them with a challenging task ahead of the return leg next week. Larnaca's coach, Mauro Camoranesi, described two very different halves: the team dominated the first 20 minutes creating significant chances, but Beitar raised their level after the break. Camoranesi acknowledged the loss without disputing fairness, emphasizing the need to replicate their first-half performance in the next match.

Local media criticized Larnaca for not matching the required level and readiness, attributing the team's poor performance partly to difficult weather conditions, including high temperatures and heavy humidity, which affected the game's pace and quality. The team fielded five new signings but struggled, especially after Mike van der Hoorn received a red card for a serious error, leaving AEK Larnaca with ten players and unable to respond effectively.

The defeat places AEK Larnaca at a significant disadvantage, with the upcoming match posing a tough challenge to overturn the deficit. The local press highlighted the combination of bad luck and adverse conditions as factors in the outcome. Beitar Jerusalem's victory on the road sets a positive tone for their European campaign.