Pre-game: Cyprus BXL FC face off with Spain for first semi-final leg

Cyprus BXL FC are facing off with Spain tonight for the first leg of their semi-final tie of the BXL Euroleague. This is the first time the Cypriots travel so far in the competition, whereas for Spain this is familiar territory, having won last year’s title. Ask any connoisseur of the BXL Euroleague and they will tell you that this is a tie with roles clearly assigned – the Spaniards as the favourites to go through and defend their title, and the Cypriots as the underdogs that will be out playing against the odds.

Spain comes to the semis with an incredible unbeaten record of 20 wins and just 1 draw this year, having the best attack of the league with 83 goals and the best defense with 15. Cyprus BXL FC on the other hand has secured 13 wins and 5 draws this year, having lost 5 times as well (Cyprus has two extra games as it played an additional playoff round after the regular season). It has the second-best defense of the League after Spain with 19 goals against, and it has scored 40 in attack. 

Statistics are just numbers, but the David and Goliath pattern is hard to miss. Cyprus BXL FC will go into the game without much pressure, confident in their achievements this year, and hopeful that the beautiful journey will not stop in the semis. Their thirst for more is a given, and they know that they have what it takes to look at Spain straight in the eye. 

The game kicks off at 20.30 at the home ground of Cyprus BXL FC, the International School of Brussels