Aris complete smash and grab job on Asteras
 

GREEK SUPERLEAGUE - MATCHDAY 5

A penalty from Hamza Younes and a added time goal from Mateo Garcia earned Aris a smash and grab victory over Asteras Tripolis at the Theodoros Kolokotronis stadium on Sunday in a closely-contested SuperLeague matchday 5 clash.

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Neither side were on top of their game in tough, sodden conditions in Arcadia as the effects of the mini hurricane “Zorbas” bringing torrential rain and strong winds made life difficult for both sets of players.

But Aris took all three points thanks to Younes and Garcia. Younes converted from 12 yards after Argentine midfielder Garcia was upended in the penalty area by Asteras goalkeeper Nikos Papadopoulos, and Garcia then broke clear to add a second goal on the counter attack.

The result moved Aris level with second-placed AEK on 12 points after five games as the Salonica club continue a dream return to the top flight after a lengthy absence, while Asteras tasted defeat for the fourth time in five matches.

The Arcadians have had a tough fixture list to start with, having played and lost against champions AEK, runners-up PAOK and Olympiacos among their opening matches.

Asteras did have the first clear sight of goal after eight minutes on the night, but Argentine midfielder Martin Tonso missed the target when presented with a great chance from 12 yards out.

Aris actually struggled to create much in the way of clear chances until after half-time, when Javier Matilla’s searching 40-yard pass picked out the run of Nicolas Diguiny three minutes after the restart.

The Frenchman’s touch on for striker Hamza Younes was not a good one though and it allowed Asteras goalkeeper Papadopoulos to get to the ball first and clear the danger.

Just when it seemed that the match was heading for a scoreless draw, however, defender Manolis Siopis played Garcia in on goal with a great pass, only for the latter to be fouled by Papadopoulos.

Younes slotted home the spot-kick, and with Asteras attacking desperately to try and grab an equaliser, Aris got a second on the counter attack in the third minute of added time when another Siopis pass played in Garcia, who finished well past Papadopoulos.

HIGHLIGHTS: ARIS - ASTERAS TRIPOLIS

by Graham Wood

Image Source: sportfm.gr

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