FC Zurich suffer 1:2 defeat against AEK Larnaca FC
FC Zurich have lost their home game against AEK Larnaca FC 1:2 tonight.
During the first half, both teams managed to create just a few scoring opportunities. FC Zurich’s Khelifi had the best chance to open the score following a failed save by Larnaca goalkeeper Toño Ramirez, but his volley shot from an acute angle was off target and flew past the post (18th minute). The visitors from Cyprus were more successful in the 38th minute when Apostolos Giannou scored the first goal of the evening to put AEK Larnaca FC 1:0 in front.
FC Zurich’s Mirlind Kryeziu had the first chance of the second half following a long throw-in by Alain Nef, but the goalkeeper kept out the defender’s header. And a few moments later, a long-range shot from Larnaca's Facundo Garcia whizzed narrowly past the post (57th minute).
In the 74th minute, FC Zurich managed to equalize the score at 1:1 thanks to a direct free-kick executed by Khelifi, but in the 85th minute, Ivan Trickovski put the visitors back in the lead (2:1). FC Zurich’s Stephen Odey almost scored the 2:2 with a header in the 92nd minute to earn his side a point, but the score remained unchanged until the final whistle and the home team suffered a 1:2 defeat.
Next Sunday afternoon, 2 December 2018, FC Zurich will be hosting local rivals Grasshopper Club for the second Zurich derby of the season (kick-off 4pm).