SLGR Matchday 5 Recap: PAOK In Derby Win, Atromitos Joint Top, PAO Victorious Again

AGONAsport’s George Tsitsonis brings you a full recap of matchday 5 action in the Greek SuperLeague.

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In a rain-soaked Greek Super League weekend due to the Cyclone ‘Zorbas’, PAOK picked up a second consecutive derby win as they defeated Olympiacos 1-0 in Piraeus on Sunday night. After beating AEK last weekend, Razvan Lucescu’s side confirmed their status as title favorites with the win over the Erythrolefki on Matchday 5 that puts them top of the table. Atromitos joins PAOK at the top on 13 points after they also were weekend winners, while AEK and Aris both returned to winning ways after last week’s defeats.

A 49th minute own goal by Jagos Vuckovic gave PAOK a priceless win away to Olympiacos in the highlighted fixture of the round. PAOK were second best most of the night against Pedro Martins’ men who were able to create numerous chances throughout the match. Olympiacos were wasteful however in front of goal and that was the difference as Andreas Gianniotis’ massive gaffe just after halftime resulted in Vuckovic scoring into his own net as he attempted to clear the ball.

PAOK are now on five wins from their first five matches to start the season, though they only have 13 points due to a points deduction incurred from last season. That means that Atromitos are now joint top of the Greek Super League after their weekend win over Levadiakos. In a hard-fought match in Levadia, Damir Canadi’s team received second half goals from Theodoros Vasilakakis (47’) and Roland Ugrai (64’) to pick up another win in their impressive start to the season.

Panathinaikos’ young guns may have found themselves behind, but the Prasini put together a fine comeback to defeat PAS Giannina 2-1. Sandi Crizman gave the visitors a 23rd minute lead at the Olympic Stadium before Tasos Chatzigiovannis wonderfully equalized for the hosts just before the break. Federico Macheda’s first goal for the club just ahead of the hour mark turned out to the be the game-winner as Panathinaikos won their fifth straight to start the season. Giorgos Donis’ side are now perfect on the season and will be rueing a points deduction of six points that is the only thing keeping them from being top of the table.

AEK received little resistance from OFI as they took down the Cretan side 3-0 away. Tasos Bakasetas struck first for the Kitrinomavri in the 20th minute. A red card Dimitris Komesidis was bad enough for OFI then came Rodrigo Galo’s beautiful free-kick goal immediately after to make it 2-0. New signing Ezequiel Ponce finished off the scoring for AEK in the 64th minute.

Aris found it very difficult against Asteras Tripolis, however two goals in the final minutes saw them power past for 2-0 victory. Younes Hamza converted a 87th minute penalty before Mateo Garcia added an insurance tally in injury time.

Elsewhere, Larisa rode an early Radomir Milosavljevic goal in the 3rd minute to get past Panetolikos in a contest with few clear-cut chances and many fouls (42) and yellow cards (9). Panionios picked up their first win of the season with a 2-0 result over deeply troubled Apollon Smirnis. Fiorin Durmishaj scored both for the Nea Smyrni club either side of the break.

In the week’s lone Monday night match, Lamia and Xanthi played a scoreless draw in an evenly-matched contest that featured chances for both sides.

Matchday MVP - Alexandros Paschalakis (PAOK)

PAOK owe a great deal of their win over Olympiacos to the superb performance of the Paschalakis. The 29-year-old goalkeeper may have had a performance to forget in August against Benfica, however he has rebounded since. His display on Sunday night was outstanding as he showed his shot-stopping abilities on at least four occasions to deny Olympiacos.

Goal of the Matchday - Tasos Chatzigiovannis (Panathinaikos)

The 21-year-old produced a fantastic effort to begins Panathinaikos’ comeback against PAS Giannina. Ousmane Coulibaly found space on the right and whipped in a low cross. Chatzigiovannis cut in front of his defender and with a ‘psaraki’ header put the ball past Marko Vellidis in the Giannina goal.

Save of the Matchday - Alexandros Paschalakis (PAOK)

Take your pick from any of the big man’s numerous saves in the weekend’s big derby. Perhaps the best was his reflex stop on Kostas Fortounis in the 54th minute. The save was impressive, but also came at an important time as PAOK had just scored and Olympiacos were starting to pile on the pressure.

Team Performance of the Matchday - Atromitos

PAOK did pull off a big win away to Olympiacos, but their overall performance was not that good. This week’s honors go to Atromitos. This is a well-balanced and well coached side who are showing last season was no fluke. The 2-0 win at Levadiakos showcased a fine team effort with an ability to create chances while also staying firm at the back.

Surprise of the Matchday - Larisa

With all the off-the-pitch issues affecting the club with regard to use of the stadium and a stand-off with the a portion of the club’s supporters, the Vissini were able to pick up a 1-0 home win over Panetolikos. Gianluca Festa began his Larisa career with a victory and that could give this side more confidence in the weeks to come.

Disappointment of the Matchday - Olympiacos

No club will be more upset with their weekend result than the Piraeus giants. The team’s display was very strong overall with chance after chance created whether from set pieces or open play. However, the terrible goal given up meant instead of picking up a big derby victory, Pedro Martins and his players must now come to terms with how they lost this match.

by George Tsitsonis

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