Under-19s claim derby honors
The faces and season’s change, but the mettle, mentality and quality remain the same. PAOK’s Under-19 side won yet another derby victory against Olympiacos, defeating the Red and White 1-0 at Souroti on Matchday 6 of the Super League.
Pablo Garcia’s and Miroslav Schanauzner’s young charges produced a performance packed with passion, intensity and strength on Sunday in what was a rip roaring derby clash, and in the end celebrated a sixth win in as many matches.
The Double-headed Eagle’s young stars started the match in determined mood, and right from the kick-off it was home side who put the visitors’ defense under pressure, with Panidis, Gorteziani and Konstantelias missing important chances to score. The Red and Whites did not manage to post a threat on the home goal and the teams went into the dressing rooms at half-time with the score locked at 0-0.
The pattern of the game did not chance in the second half. PAOK dominated and wasted several good opportunites to score, while Olympiacos did hit the pot in the 58th minute from their only decent chance of the game.
The outcome of the match was finally decided by a set-piece on 73 minutes. Konstantelias sent over a corner, and Panagiotou rose highest to head home with a stunning finish to win the match for PAOK, with the home side defending their lead superbly in the closing stages.
PAOK lineup:
PAOK (Garcia): Balomenos, Tachatos (78′ Darelas), Panagiotou, Manolioudis, Aventisian, Giaxis (54′ Kountentakis), Grosdis, Tsopouroglou, Konstantelias (78′ Pipiliaris), Panidis (64′ Kitsakis), Gorteziani.
