Watch all the highlights from Apoel Nicosia's incredible penalty shootout victory over Olympique Lyonnais.
Watch all the highlights from Apoel Nicosia's incredible penalty shootout victory over Olympique Lyonnais. Reuters

Apoel Nicosia continued their incredible Champions League journey after beating Lyon on penalties to advance to the competition's quarter-finals.

Already the first side from Cyprus to make the knockout phase of Europe's premier competition, Apoel beat French outfit Olympique Lyonnais 4-3 on penalties after earlier having leveled the tie at 1-1.

Following their 1-0 victory in France three weeks ago, which left Apoel without an away goal, Lyon looked big favorites to finally put an end to the Cypriots' fairytale run in this year's competition.

That notion was turned on its head, though, when Gustavo Manduca provided Apoel with the crucial equalizing goal in the tie in only the 9th minute of the match. The Brazilian arriving at the back post to turn in Constantinos Charalambides' low cross.

Despite having more of the possession and over twice as many attempts on goal, Lyon were unable to get a crucial away goal to turn the tie in their favor. Some less-than impressive defensive play also allowed Apoel to believe that they were capable of getting an away goal.

But, despite 30 minutes of extra time, neither side was able to grab a decisive goal and the match at Apoel's GSP Stadium headed to penalties.

Lyon striker Lisandro almost became the first player to miss in the shootout, with his shot striking the foot of the post. However, lady luck was on the Argentinian's side as the ball bounced back and struck Apoel goalkeeper Dionisios Chiotis on the back before finding its way into the net.

After the first six penalties were successful, Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette became the first man to miss, as Chiotis guessed correctly and dived to his left to turn the ball around the post.

Ivan Trickovski then kept Apeol's perfect record intact meaning Michel Bastos stepped-up needing to score to keep the shootout alive. But it was to be Apoel's night; Chiotis ensuring his hero status by pulling off the decisive save to send Apoel's players, coaches and fans into raptures.

Apoel 1-0 Lyon by tugagolo