The first half was rather mediocre. PAOK had the initiative, but didn’t create real danger for the visitors, except for opportunities carved by Kozak and Markovski.

The solution presented itself one minute before the end of the first half. Chatzistravos teed up Markovski, who scored the opener with a fine low shot.

PAOK players started the second half ideally and sealed their victory early on. In the 50th minute, Lyratzis and Kozak combined, the latter beating Xanthi’s goalkeeper with a lobbed shot.

The “Double-Headed Eagle” were in control of proceedings throughout the second half and made it 3-0 in the 63rd minute, Diamantis setting up Gargalatzidis for the final goal of the encounter. Xanthi ended up playing with ten.

This victory allows PAOK to extend their distance from Panathinaikos to three points. Next Sunday, they are off to Athens for their clash with the Greens, that might prove decisive for this season’s U20 league title.

PAOK U20: Siampanis, Lyratzis, Τsaousis, Μichailidis, Diamantis, Μaniotis (60′ Τsiggaras), Chatzistravos, Balogiannis, Κozak (70′ Gaitanidis), Markovski, Τzovaras (46′ Gargalatzidis)