SLGR Matchday 16 Recap: PAOK Win Big In Tripoli; OLY And AEK Cruise, PAO and Atromitos Held

AGONAsport’s George Tsitsonis brings you a full recap of matchday 16 action in the Greek SuperLeague.

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The first Greek Super League action of 2019 took place over the weekend after a winter break. PAOK managed to retain their eight-point advantage atop the table with an impressive 3-0 win away to Asteras Tripolis.

Olympiacos came away with a comfortable 2-0 victory, but Atromitos lost more ground on the front two in a 2-2 home draw with Panetolikos. Elsewhere, Panathinaikos and Xanthi played out a 2-2 draw, while elsewhere there were wins for AEK, Aris, and Larisa.

PAOK opened up 2019 and the post-Aleksandar Prijovic era with a fine 3-0 win over Asteras Tripolis. Vierinha’s 65th minute free-kick opener saw PAOK finally unlock the Asteras defense and from then on it was the visitors who were in firm control. Mauricio put PAOK up two just four minutes later and despite a red card to Leo Matos eleven minutes from time, the league leaders managed to add a third in injury-time with an own goal from Kostas Triantafyllopoulos.

Goals from Kostas Fortounis and Miguel Angel Guerrero at the start of each half paced Olympiacos to a routine 2-0 victory at Levadiakos. It was a straightforward afternoon for the Erythrolefki who were on the front foot from the start. Fortounis stabbed home from close range just seven minutes in and Guerrero gave his side extra cushion with a header just five minutes after the break.

A 2-2 draw between Atromitos and Panetolikos on Saturday was perhaps the match of the weekend. It was a disappointing draw for home side Atromitos, who actually might have gone down to defeat until Armin Mujakic’s equalizer in the 83rd minute. Before that Nicolas Mana’s goals eight minutes apart in the second half (69’-77’) had Panetolikos come from behind after Clarck N’Sikulu gave Atromitos the lead in the 50th minute.

Late drama could also be found at the Olympic Stadium as an injury-time penalty from Matias Castro saw Xanthi snatch a point in a 2-2 draw with Panathinaikos. Castro had given Xanthi an early advantage with his 19th minute opener. Giorgos Donis’ team fought back well though and goals from Ioannis Bouzoukis (48’) and Dimitris Kolovetsios (68’) saw the home side turn the match on its head until Castro secured his brace with his dramatic leveler from the spot.

AEK looked recharged after the holiday break as they came away with a 4-0 victory at PAS Giannina. It was over by halftime at the Zosimades Stadium as AEK scored four times in the first 45 minutes. Petros Mantalos opened the scoring in the 5th minute before AEK’s lead doubled thanks to an own goal by Alexios Michail. Ezequiel Ponce then scored twice right at the end of the first half to effectively end the match as a contest. The closest PAS came to scoring was an injury-time penalty from Stefanos Athanasiadis that was saved by AEK’s Vasilis Barkas.

Elsewhere, Aris kept their European hopes alive with a late 1-0 win over Lamia at home. Javier Matilla scored a free-kick in the second minute of injury-time as it looked like Lamia were going to hold on for a big point in Thessaloniki.. Larisa strolled to an easy victory at home to bottom club Apollon Smirnis. Marko Nunic’s second half brace led Larisa who had taken an early lead thanks to Klodian Gino’s fifth minute own goal. Oumar Camara’s goal ten minutes from the end gave Panionios a share of the spoils in Crete against OFI. Camara scored to make it 1-1 after OFI had taken a 27th minute lead through Vangelis Platellas.

Matchday MVP - Alexandros Paschalakis (PAOK)

After a nomadic first part of his career, Paschalakis has found a home in Thessaloniki with PAOK for the past two seasons. In that period he has arguably been the top goalkeeper in the country. On Sunday, he produced a number of fantastic saves, specifically in the first half, keeping PAOK in the game. The ensuing 3-0 victory had as much to do with Paschalakis’ heroics as it did with PAOK’s professional performance.

Goal of the Matchday - Mauricio (PAOK)

A wonderful goal that started from the back with Fernando Varela’s clearance. Chuba Akpom took the ball down for Mauricio who play the ball into the path of Dimitris Pelkas. The Greek international passed wide to Akpom who found Diego Biseswar on the left. He slid the ball to Mauricio who lashed home a left-footed shot. Pace, finesse, and combination, this goal had all the workings of a fine team goal.

Save of the Matchday - Alexandros Paschalakis (PAOK)

The best of Paschalakis’ numerous stops was the double save to deny Nikos Kaltsas’ stinging shot from outside the box and seconds later a point-blank denial of Juan Munafo’s effort from close range. A moment of brilliant goalkeeping.

Team Performance of the Matchday - PAOK

It has to be the league leaders. Though they suffered in the first 45 minutes and had Paschalakis to thank in keeping them level, PAOK found a way to win on the back of a strong second-half display. Those waiting for a hangover effect from the Prijovic departure were left disappointed as the Razvan Lucescu’s side showed they are prepared to keep their advantage in the title race.

Surprise of the Matchday - Panetolikos

It perhaps shouldn’t be a surprise, but Saturday’s away draw for Panetolikos against Atromitos would not have been expected by most. It was yet another indicator of the good work being forged by Traianos Dellas and his players in Agrinio. With a team that seems to be improving with each passing week, would it be far-fetched to suggest that Panetolikos could put up a challenge for Europe. Perhaps. However, this is not a side anyone in the league will want to play based on current form.

Disappointment of the Matchday - PAS Giannina

Halfway through the season and PAS find themselves just two points clear of the relegation places. This weekend’s 4-0 defeat to AEK was embarassing considering the first half capitulation by Giannis Petrakis’ side. Petrakis, at the club now for nearly five years, has an uphill battle to get this team firing again and back up the table.

by George Tsitsonis

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