UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Ermis beat APOEL to clinch first Cypriot Super Cup

Yiannis Taralidis' 95th-minute free-kick, three minutes after a dramatic equaliser, ensured Ermis Aradippou FC overcame APOEL FC 2-1 and won a historic Cypriot Super Cup.

Ermis have followed up an impressive season by winning their first ever trophy
Ermis have followed up an impressive season by winning their first ever trophy ©Getty Images

Ermis Aradippou FC have been crowned Cyrpus Super Cup champions after a 95th-minute winner from Yiannis Taralidis earned them a 2-1 victory over APOEL FC – three minutes after the Nicosia outfit had levelled the match.

The historic win, coming just two weeks after Ermis were knocked out of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round by BSC Young Boys, marked their first ever domestic trophy success. It also meant revenge on the big stage for Ermis, who lost to APOEL in the Cyprus Cup final last May.

Nicos Panagiotou's side got off to the perfect start when Jonatas Belusso nudged them in front inside the opening minute. APOEL pushed hard for an equaliser and looked like they had done enough to earn a penalty shoot-out when Dragan Žarković turned the ball past his own keeper after an APOEL corner on 92 minutes. But Ermis had the last laugh when Greek midfielder Taralidis beat goalkeeper Tasos Kissas with a thunderous free-kick moments later.

"Congratulations to everyone," said a delighted Panagiotou who joined in the celebration of his players at the final whistle. "We made a lot of changes this summer and the team needs time. But this victory will give us a lot of confidence for the future. The players are determined to do even better than last season."

Last season, Ermis stunned Cyprus by finishing fourth in the league standings and also reaching their first ever Cup final. Double-winners APOEL, meanwhile, take on UEFA Champions League play-off opponents Aalborg BK next week having eliminated HJK Helsinki 4-2 on aggregate.

Selected for you