Tsiloulis fires Panionios past Volos
SUPER LEAGUE PLAYOUTS - MATCHDAY 1
Sotiris Tsiloulis struck in Nea Smyrni to secure a crucial 1-0 triumph for Panionios against Volos NFC at home in the Super League playouts.
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In a hotly contested, intense battle, Panionios emerged with three vital points in Nea Smyrni, with Tsiloulis scoring the only goal of the game in the 57th minute to condemn Volos to their third defeat in their last five Super League matches. This was the first league game following the lengthy coronavirus break.
As a result of their win, Panionios are now just three points behind Panetolikos as their survival bid continues, while Volos are 13 points ahead of the Panthers in fifth spot of the playouts. Panetolikos will face Lamia away from home on Monday.
Volos made a positive start during the opening stages in Nea Smyrni. Protecting possession effectively, the visitors applied significant pressure on the Panionios defence, coming close to an opener when a close-range header landed on the roof of the net.
At the other end, Domingues was presented with an opportunity when connecting with a set piece, but he could only head wide.
Volos came close to a breakthrough with 37 minutes on the clock. Following a contentious foul by Domingues, Juan Muniz took aim from distance, with his free kick subsequently flying over the bar.
Bachana Arabuli was forced off with a hamstring injury on the brink of the break. Nevertheless, Panionios didn’t let that affect them, as Sotiris Tsiloulis’ threatening pass across goal was turned aside just in time.
Panionios did manage to draw first blood not long after the restart.
Collecting a pinpoint pass from deep on the counter, Dimitris Emmanouilidis expertly sent a low ball across to Tsiloulis, who calmly tapped his ensuing effort into the gaping net.
Despite their promising performance in the first half of proceedings, Volos struggled to respond to Panionios’ goal, failing to create opportunities against the sturdy opposing defence. Panionios, however, comfortably controlled the pace, defending solidly while regularly catching Volos cold at the back.
Giorgos Saramantas had two great chances to seal the deal for Panionios in the concluding minutes. Moments after his first shot was saved by Athanasios Garavelis, the left-back then found himself clean through, however he missed the target.
In stoppage time, Joao Fernando had a promising chance for Volos outside of the box, but he fluffed his lines and Panionios could begin to celebrate their first win since January.
