Aris delivered a convincing away performance against AEL, securing a 3-0 victory at the Kolossi stadium in round eleven of the Cypriot First Division. The result underlined Aris’s growing form on the road and their ability to convert chances when the pressure was on. The visitors controlled large portions of the game, punished any lapses in defense, and kept a clean sheet to seal the triumph.
In the opening moments Kokorin set the tone. In the second minute the Russian forward struck to put Aris ahead, his shot finding the bottom corner and sending the visiting supporters into a chorus of relief. The early goal gave Aris the lead they wanted and forced AEL into an early chase, a task that proved difficult given Aris’s disciplined shape.
That goal marked Kokorin’s third of the season after eight appearances, a tally that speaks to his impact during his loan spell. His first goal of the campaign arrived on 24 August, a date that now sits alongside this latest breakthrough as milestones in a season that has seen him blend experience with a goal threat. The striker has become a focal point in Aris’s attack, offering a combination of movement and finishing instinct that has unsettled opponents across Cyprus.
Looking back at Kokorin’s career reveals a journey through some of Russia’s biggest clubs and a later move abroad. He appeared for Dinamo, Anzhi, Zenit, Sochi and Spartak in Russia, building a reputation as a versatile forward who could operate in several attacking roles. In 2021 he joined Italian side Fiorentina, a move that promised a new chapter but was hampered by limited playing time. The forward moved to Aris on loan in the summer of 2022, spending a season in Cyprus that saw him feature in 27 league matches and score 11 goals. His contributions helped the club collect the league title that season, and in September 2023 he returned to Aris on another one-year loan. His willingness to extend his stay in Cyprus reflects a clear alignment with Aris’s ambitions and his personal goals for regular match play.
On the international stage Kokorin has earned 47 caps for Russia and found the net 12 times. His national team career added a layer of experience to his resume, allowing him to bring a mature presence to the frontline during important qualifiers and friendlies. The forward’s journey illustrates how a player can navigate competition at the highest levels while continuing to contribute significantly at club level on loan.
The match also highlights a broader trend in the Cypriot league where clubs increasingly rely on loan signings to strengthen squads midseason. Aerial battles, quick transitions, and compact defensive blocks shaped many games, and Aris’s loan strategy with a veteran through Kokorin has provided them with a balance of creativity and resilience. The result against AEL served not only as three points but as a statement about the club’s intent to challenge for higher honours.
Ultimately the 3-0 scoreline confirmed Aris’s continued relevance in a league that rewards efficiency and strategic signings. Kokorin’s early goal established the tempo, while the team’s defensive discipline ensured the clean sheet. For AEL, the setback will prompt introspection about preparation and defensive organization as the campaign unfolds. The performance will likely fuel confidence in Aris’s squad depth and its ability to sustain momentum across fixtures, both domestically and in potential continental competitions in the seasons ahead.