On paper this match was a difficult one, and so it proved to be on the pitch as well. AEK put on a good display and made life difficult time for PAOK, but in the end it was the visitors who left with the three points in a match that was great to watch.

Garcia’s and Sznaucner’s players began well and threatened the home goal in the early stages. And the pressure paid off after 14 minutes, when Panidis scored to make it 1-0 with a fine finish.

By the time the first half came to an end PAOK were in total control of the game. In the second half, the home side managed to move through the gears and put some pressure on the Double-headed Eagle of the North, but the visitors’ defense was rock-solid.

In the 63rd minute AEK were reduced to 10 men when Tzolis played a superb ball through for Gaitanidis. He tried to go round the AEK goalkeeper, who had no option but to foul the PAOK man to stop him from scoring.

From then on PAOK kept hold of the ball for long spells, and also missed some good opportunities. Then, in added time, PAOK goalkeeper Talichmanidis was called upon to make a great save to keep the scores at 1-0.

PAOK held on to claim all three points and can now switch its attention to the upcoming match against Bohemians on Wednesday in the UEFA Youth League.

PAOK lineup:

Talichmanidis, Giaxis, Panagiotou, Kaloutsikidis, Taxatos (67′ Tsopouroglou), Tsiggaras (90+2′ Theodoridis), Salamouras, Tziolis, Gaintanidis (84′ Pipilaris), Pournaras (46′ Grosdis), Panidis (67′ Koutsias).