Cyprus BXL FC keep semi-finals dream alive with 2-0 win over Italy

Cyprus BXL FC took a steady step towards the BXL Euroleague semi-finals last night, with a 2-0 victory over Italy in the first quarter-final leg. The Cypriots put in a convincing performance that with some luck and a bit more focus in attack could have secured them a bigger lead in view of the return leg next week. Anastasiou and Rossides were the scorers this week, both goals coming from beautifully taken corner kicks by Agorakis. Cyprus BXL FC went into the game with more determination than the Italians, ceding ball possession but establishing a credible threat level from very early on. Anastasiades and Papoutsas were doing a great job at harassing the Italian defense and forcing it into successive errors, while Severis and Agorakis were fending danger in midfield with ease. The Cypriots created numerous chances, including a shot on the post by Anastasiades, Papoutsas twice coming tête-à-tête with the goalkeeper, and Georgakoudis failing to convert from opportune positions. The game was starting to look conspicuously like the regular season tie, where Cyprus dominated the entire game but lost unfairly with a goal seconds before the final whistle.

The crescendo of lost opportunities for Cyprus continued in the beginning of the second half. The breakthrough finally came from a corner, slammed into the net by Anastasiou, who jumped right in the heart of the Italian defense to head it home. Justice had been served, and only minutes later, Rossides emerged from a melee in the Italian six yard box to push the ball into the net after another corner. 

In the remaining ten minutes of the game, Italy tried to push up, but only managed to create one clear chance, a header that went just wide of Gogakis’ post.

With the final whistle, Cyprus BXL secured a two goal lead for the return leg, which puts it in good stead for the qualification battle. The fragility of such a lead could not, of course, be overstated, keeping in mind the quality of the Italian team and the fact that Cyprus will be playing away from home.

Man of the match last night goes without a shadow of doubt to Alexis Anastasiou, not only for the critical goal he scored, but also for his excellent all-round performance as a centre-back. Worthy of note were also the efforts of Charalambous on the left wing, Severis in defensive midfield and Karides and Louka in right- and left back.

The second leg of the Cyprus BXL FC – Italy semi-final tie takes place on Wednesday 6 June at the Ixelles pitch at 2100.