Beitar Jerusalem Holds 0-0 Draw With AEK Larnaca in Conference League Qualifier

Beitar Jerusalem hosted AEK Larnaca in Romania for the second leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round, aiming to secure advancement after a 1-0 away win in Cyprus last week. Coached by Almog Cohen, Beitar had a full week to prepare for this crucial match, aware that a single goal by Larnaca could overturn their advantage. The Israeli side started their season with a disappointing penalty shootout loss to Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Toto Cup quarterfinals, despite leading 2-1 during that game.

Last week’s decisive goal came from Brian Crabali, who scored a stunning free kick. Larnaca, whose domestic league season starts only at the end of August, also had a week off and looked to avoid a month without competitive football. They were encouraged by the return of Enrique Saborit from suspension. Early in the match, at the third minute, Saborit fouled Beitar’s Omer Atzili, who then took a powerful free kick that hit the crossbar.

Beitar Jerusalem’s starting lineup included Miguel Silva, Nana Antwi, Brian Crabali, Gil Cohen, Yarden Cohen, Boris Ino, Daniel Vorko, Noam Motze, Omer Atzili, Johnbusco Calu, and Sean Weisman. AEK Larnaca fielded Andreas Fraskebas, Jorge Mirmon, Harbawi Milicevic, Enrique Saborit, Yehav Gurfinkel, Goss Ledes, Ivano Pankov, Amour Yoni, Jan Rafas, Yosef Amin, and Riyad Baiz. The match remained goalless at the time of reporting, with both teams cautious as the tie remained finely balanced.