Beitar Jerusalem Edge AEK Larnaca 4-3 in Europa Conference Penalty Thriller

Beitar Jerusalem survived a penalty shootout rollercoaster to beat AEK Larnaca 4-3 after a 2-2 draw in the UEFA Europa Conference League 2nd Qualifying Round, breaking Cypriot hearts in a tie that had everything – drama, controversy, and a masterclass in nerve.

Beitar Jerusalem’s Late Rally

The Israelis looked down and out when Haris Milicevic struck twice, first from the penalty spot in the 26th minute and then with a composed finish six minutes after the break. But Omer Atzili dragged Beitar back into it, converting a penalty in first-half stoppage time and then curling home a gorgeous effort with just three minutes remaining to send the Teddy Stadium into raptures.

AEK Larnaca’s Dramatic Flurry

Just when it seemed Beitar might snatch it in normal time, AEK substitute Riad Bajic stunned the hosts with a 92nd-minute equaliser, sending the tie to extra time. The Cypriots then looked set for glory when Milicevic completed his hat-trick from the spot in the 121st minute, only for Beitar to summon one final push.

Beitar Jerusalem’s Penalty Heroics

In a shootout that saw alternating misses and conversions, Guillermo Rubio and Costas Kyriakou crucially failed for AEK, while Yarden Cohen and Tzemah Muzie held their nerve for Beitar. When Miguel Silva denied Kyriakou’s decisive spot-kick, the eruption inside Teddy Stadium could have shaken the walls of the Old City.

The result keeps Beitar’s European dreams alive while leaving AEK to rue what might have been. For the Israelis, a tantalizing third qualifying round tie awaits. For the Cypriots, only the lingering pain of penalties lost and a continental campaign ended before it really began.

Key Moments

26′ ⚽ AEK Larnaca — H. Milicevic

45+2′ ⚽ Beitar Jerusalem — O. Atzili

52′ ⚽ AEK Larnaca — H. Milicevic

87′ ⚽ Beitar Jerusalem — O. Atzili (assist: N. Antwi)

90+2′ ⚽ AEK Larnaca — R. Bajic

120+1′ ⚽ AEK Larnaca — H. Milicevic

120+1′ ⚽ Beitar Jerusalem — B. Carabali

120+2′ ⚽ AEK Larnaca — D. Ivanovic

120+2′ ⚽ Beitar Jerusalem — E. Ansah

120+3′ ⚽ Beitar Jerusalem — Y. Cohen

120+4′ ⚽ AEK Larnaca — K. Pileas

120+4′ ⚽ Beitar Jerusalem — T. Muzie

🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.