- Beitar Jerusalem have had a more convincing run in all competitions, with 5 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats in their last 10 matches.
- AEK Larnaca have a less impressive record with 3 wins, 3 draws and 4 defeats in their last 10 across all competitions.
- Beitar Jerusalem and AEK Larnaca have contrasting styles, which should create a chess-like contest.
Tight tie on the cards
Beitar Jerusalem are priced at 8/5 to defeat AEK Larnaca who are 33/20 to nick a result, with the draw at 49/20 in this first-leg clash in Romania.
Beitar Jerusalem look the more likely winner and should have the edge over the Cyprians, who come into this on the back of a two-match losing streak.
Almog Cohen has been in charge of Beitar Jerusalem since 1 July 2026 and his side have looked flexible and front-footed in all of their matches since then. AEK Larnaca are also a new-look side under the direction of Mauro Camoranesi since 1 July 2026, but their identity hasn't changed too much with structure, patience and defensive order remaining at the core of their success.
A chess match
This is a clash of styles in which Beitar will try to push the pace, make wide rotations and use quick vertical transitions to turn the screw on the other side, while AEK Larnaca will sit deep, clog the central channels and hope to nick a counter or set-piece opportunity.
Beitar have scored 1.60 goals per match and conceded 1.40 goals per game across all competitions in 2026 so they offer plenty going forward, but are open to getting exposed at the back.
AEK have conceded 1.20 goals per-game, which is a respectable figure, but we don't expect them to hold their opponents to 0,0 at any stage of this tie.
Beitar have a sharp blade
Colombian forward Brayan Carabali has been Beitar's sharpest blade in the UEFA Conference League Qualification, scoring once in one appearance and he offers them a livewire in the final third. Hrvoje Milicevic is AEK's main scoring outlet, with 3 goals in the last 5, making them their best chance to produce the moment of magic that could seal the game. Beitar Jerusalem edged AEK Larnaca 1-0 in the head-to-head and the fresh scalp means that we see the Israelis edging another cagey European affair at Stadionul Ilie Oana, Romania. However, the value is in the unders for this clash, with Under 2.5 goals at 7/10 as our selection for Thursday, which should result in a close, cagey game.
