AEK defeat Galatasaray in duel between Greek and Turkish champions
AEK defeat Galatasaray in duel between Greek and Turkish champions
FRIENDLY
In a headline fixture between the Greek and Turkish champions, AEK defeated Galatasaray 3:2 at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, picking up their first friendly win of the summer in the process.
Watch LIVE GREEK TV including full GREEK SPORTS coverage from AGONASport.com!
Previously, AEK had struggled to develop offensive traction this pre-season, failing to score in three friendlies with Miedz Legnica (0:1), AEK Larnaca (0:0) and Atromitos (0:0). Nevertheless, the Kitrinomavri found their groove against Galatasaray, with the passionate home support at the Olympic Stadium firing AEK to victory.
A moment of silence was held before the game began and both teams wore black armbands dedicated to the victims of the recent tragic Attica fires. AEK fans also displayed banners criticising the government for its handling of the crisis.
Turkish champions Galatasaray struck first as Brazilian defender Maicon brushed a looping free kick beyond Vasilis Barkas, but AEK responded with a splendid goal. Viktor Klonaridis beat his opponent on the right flank with a wonderful flash of skill, powered towards the penalty area and picked out Marko Livaja, who cooly stroked the ball into the net.
After visiting defender Serdar Aziz had a goal ruled out for offside in the second half, Anastasios Bakasetas handed AEK their maiden lead, slotting in following a sloppy Galatasaray error. Captain Petros Mantalos then doubled AEK’s advantage, whipping a glorious set piece past the statuesque Ismail Cipe.
Bakasetas saw a goal disallowed and Maicon did make it a tense end to the match when he hit the target with an inch-perfect free kick, but AEK held on to claim a morale boosting 3:2 win. Next Wednesday, the Enosis return to competitive action in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round against the winners of the Celtic-Rosenborg pairing.
by Shaun Nicolaides
Image Source: onsports.gr
Thank you for visiting AGONAsport.com, the only English based website for Greek sports fans across the world! Like us on Facebook , follow us on Instagram, and Twitter for all the latest news in Greek Sports!