Things looked completely different at the start of the match, with PAOK making a strong entrance, managing to take the lead in just the second minute with Kiril Despodov on target with a header after Mady Kamara’s shot rebounded off the woodwork, but the visitors failed to build on the early goal. There was a golden chance to do so in the 10th minute, but neither Kamara nor Baba could find a way to convert and double their tream’s advantage.

The home team quickly regrouped and managed to equalize in the 14th minute, with Mejias headed on a free-kick to Alfarela, who scored to make it 1-1.

Athens Kallithea then had important chances to take the lead with Pavlenka stopping Alfarela in a one-on-one situation and saving a penalty from Demethyrus, with the 1-1 score remaining until the end of the first half.

PAOK started the second half better, took possession of the ball, but they could not find a way to threaten the home side in any meaningful way, with Kedziora having a great opportunity in the 87th minute with a header but not managing to score.

The visitors then found a winning goal in the finale via Loukinas, who scored as PAOK were caught on the counter attack high up the pitch as they also searched for a winning goal.

The defeat means that the Double-headed Eagle did not take advantage of the slip-ups made by AEK and Panathinaikos, who both drew their matches, and lost further ground in the standings.

Team lineups:

Athens Kallithea: Gelios, Kainourios, Manthatis, Mejias, Tsivelekidis, Megiado (81′ Matilla), Ndiaye, Mercati (66′ Valbuena), Demethyrus (88′ Soiri), Vrakas (66′ Lebon), Alfarela (81′ Loukinas)

PAOK: Pavlenka, Baba, Kedziora, Wieteska, Sastre (81′ Vieirinha), Kamara, Meite (58′ Schwab), Pelkas (58′ Peña), Taison, Despodov (74′ Shoretire), Brandon (58′ Chalov).