Swiderski leads PAOK back to winning ways
 

SUPER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 6

PAOK returned to winning ways on Sunday by putting in a hard-earned shift to see off a determined Asteras Tripolis side 2-1 at the Theodoros Kolokotronis stadium in Arcadia.

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A first-half goal from in-form Polish striker Karol Swiderski, who was outstanding throughout for the visitors, and an Angel Martinez own goal following an Omar El Kaddouri cross put Abel Ferreira’s PAOK in command at the start of the second half.

But Borja Jimenez’s Asteras, who were desperate for points after losing four out of their first five matches, rallied and got back into the game thanks to a 58th-minute goal from Dani Suarez.

The tempo of the game dropped away in the closing stages of the half with neither side able to trouble the goalkeepers at either end, and reigning champions PAOK held on comfortably to claim the three points which moves them into second spot on 14 points - one points behind Xanthi.

Olympiacos could overhaul both PAOK and Xanthi if they beat Aris in Sunday’s late match.

THE MATCH

PAOK came into this match against a team that are traditionally tough opponents for the Thessaloniki side to face, but this time Asteras were not in their best shape themselves, trying to find its feet under new coach Borja Jimenez.

The Arcadians had just three points for their name from their first five matches after suffering four defeats, and unbeaten PAOK were looking to return to winning ways after being held 2-2 by AEK last weekend.

As a result PAOK made a strong start to the match, penning Asteras back in their own hald for long spells in the opening 45 minutes.

Swiderski should have added to his tally of goals after 11 minutes but he failed to connect properly with the irrepressible Dimitris Giannoulis’ cross.

The home side began to play their way into the match after the 15-minute mark, and the home fans were almost cheering an opening goal in the 25th minute. And they would have been had it not been for the reflexes of PAOK goalkeeper Zivko Zivkovic.

The Serbian shot-stopper thwarted Asteras’ Spanish forward Marc Fernandez with a great save when the home strike was sent clean through on goal in a rare lapse of concentration from the PAOK defence.

That only served to anger PAOK into a powerful response, however, and the Thessaloniki side opened the scoring in the 33rd minute. And, surprise surprise, it was that man Swiderski again on target.

The Polish frontman found the net at the second attempt from a Leo Matos cross, the ball bouncing back off Asteras defender Dani Suarez back into his path after his initial header.

To their credit, Asteras kept going and they had a decent shout for a penalty ruled out by VAR in the 41st minute after Suarez had gone down in the penalty area under a challenge from Matos.

PAOK went in at the break 1-0 ahead, and things got even better just two minutes after half-time for the visitors when El Kaddouri’s cross was turned past his own goalkeeper by the unfortunate Angel Martinez

Again there was some good work in the build-up by Swiderski, whose presence up front and intelligent link-up play was driving PAOK’s best moments going forward.

That gave PAOK a comfortable cushion and it seemed the game was over as a contest. However, PAOK have shown on a few occasions so far this season that their defensive lapses can cost them, and Asteras pulled a goal back in the 58th minute.

Suarez was the man on target for the home side, beating Matos in the air to head home Patricio Matricardi’s corner.

It was game on from then on in again, and Asteras sensed they might have a chance. The home side surged forward and were unlucky not to level matters four minutes after the hour mark.

Valentinos Vlachos was the architect, sending over a cross for Suarez, but the Spaniard’s effort was parried behind for a corner by the safe hands of Zivkovic in the PAOK goal.

Clear chances were few and far between in the final quarter of the match with both sides looking slightly fatigued, with the highlight coming on 85 minutes when Dimitris Limnios fired a long-range shot narrowly over the crossbar.

STARTING LINEUPS

Asteras: 1 Papadopoulos (GK), 37 Vlahos, 33 Martinez, 34 Matricardi, 15 Suarez, 6 Valiente, 12 Munafo, 5 Capilla, 30 Barrales, 23 Riera, 7 Fernandez

PAOK: 88 Zivkovic (GK), 23 Giannoulis, 3 Matos, 15 Crespo, 5 Varela, 33 Douglas, 27 Misic, 7 El Kaddouri, 18 Limnios, 21 Biseswar, 9 Swiderski

HIGHLIGHTS

by Graham Wood

Image Source: sportfm.gr

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