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Friendlies ClubsSeason 2026

Legia Warszawa vs Aris

18 July 2026 at 16:00
02
Away

Aris

AI

Aris Limassol beat Legia Warszawa 2-0 in a pre-season friendly on 18 July 2026, with both goals coming from penalties in the 41st and 90+6th minutes.

Match Analysis

AI Summary

Legia Warszawa 0-2 Aris Limassol: Two penalties decide pre-season friendly as Legia suffer first defeat under Marek Papszun

Aris Limassol beat Legia Warszawa 2-0 in a pre-season friendly on 18 July 2026, with both goals coming from the penalty spot. The Cypriot side's first-half spot-kick and a stoppage-time penalty gave them a comfortable win in Legia's final warm-up match before the new season.

How It Unfolded

The match was a tight, physical affair with few clear-cut chances from open play. The deadlock was broken in the 41st minute when Legia defender Rafał Augustyniak conceded a penalty. Aris captain Charalambous stepped up and converted to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Legia pushed for an equaliser after the break but struggled to break down a disciplined Aris defence. As the hosts committed men forward in search of a late leveller, they were caught out again in the sixth minute of added time. A second penalty was conceded, and Aris doubled their lead to seal a 2-0 victory.

The Turning Point

The first penalty, awarded just four minutes before half-time, gave Aris the lead against the run of play. Legia had controlled much of the first half but were unable to create clear chances. Conceding just before the interval meant Marek Papszun's side went into the dressing room trailing, forcing them to chase the game in the second half.

Key Performers

  • Charalambous (Aris): The captain scored the opening goal from the penalty spot and led his team's organised defensive display.
  • Rafał Augustyniak (Legia): The defender conceded the first penalty that gave Aris the lead, a moment that proved decisive.

No player of the match was officially named.

By The Numbers

Possession and shots data were not published for this friendly. The key stat is that both goals were penalties — neither side scored from open play. Legia's failure to create clear chances despite controlling periods of possession will be a concern for Papszun ahead of the competitive season. Aris, by contrast, were clinical with their opportunities from 12 yards.

What It Means

This was Legia's first defeat of pre-season under manager Marek Papszun, who fielded what is expected to be his first-choice XI (per legionisci.com). The loss ends a pre-season unbeaten run that stretched back to the start of July. Legia now turn their attention to the start of the 2026/27 Ekstraklasa season, with their opening fixture expected in the coming weeks. Aris continue their pre-season preparations ahead of the Cypriot First Division campaign.

Verdict

A pre-season friendly decided by two penalties tells you little about either side's wider prospects, but Legia's inability to fashion clear chances against a well-organised opponent is a mild concern. Aris showed defensive discipline and the composure to take their chances from the spot. Papszun will want more attacking incision before the season proper begins.

Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

API data: 19 Jul 2026