Aris Limassol Crush Hapoel Raanana in Pre-Season Friendly

Aris Limassol put on an emphatic attacking display, thrashing Hapoel Raanana 5-1 in an international club friendly on July 22, 2026. The Cypriot side’s firepower proved too much for their Israeli opponents, who struggled to contain waves of pressure throughout the match.

Dominant First Half

Aris Limassol took control early, scoring twice in the opening 15 minutes. Aleksandar Kolarov headed in from a corner in the 8th minute, followed by a clinical finish from Mario Bjelanovic after a defensive error. By the half-hour mark, the score was 3-0 as Manolis Papadopoulos curled a free kick over the wall. Hapoel Raanana pulled one back just before halftime through a penalty, but Aris restored their three-goal advantage deep into first-half stoppage time.

Second Half Control

The second half saw Aris Limassol manage the game effectively, adding a fifth goal in the 72nd minute when substitute Ilias Karagounis tapped in from close range. Hapoel Raanana pushed forward but lacked precision in the final third, and Aris’ defense remained organized.

What the Result Means

For Aris Limassol, this emphatic victory highlights their attacking depth ahead of the new Cypriot First Division season. Hapoel Raanana, who compete in the Israeli second tier, will look to tighten their defensive structure after conceding five. Both sides used the friendly to rotate players and build match fitness.