There are some nights when you follow your gameplan tp the letter, you battle with all your might, but the details go against you. PAOK experienced such a night at Toumba Stadium against AEK. Razvan Lucescu’s side were clearly superior for 90 minutes but had to settle for a draw, a result that keeps them top of the table, however.

The game started with a change of plans for PAOK, as Ioannis Konstantelias, who had been due to start, developed a fever and was replaced by Tomas Murg.

In the first half, PAOK took control of the match from the kick-off, pressed high, and did not allow AEK to get any build-up play going, with the visitors limiting themselves to attempts on the counter attack.

The intensity and the tough duels monopolized the game, with PAOK having a shot by Ozdoev from a good position, Meite in stoppage time threatening, but Stankovic had the answers, while for their part AEK had a shot from Gacinovic that went wide, while Kotarski saved solidly from a Callens header.

The second half started in the worst possible way for Lucescu’s team. AEK countered and made it 1-0 in the 47th minute with Levia Garcia providing the assist to Eliasson, who opened the scoring from close range.

The home side remained calm and methodically tried to react and equalize. In the 56th minute, Samatta missed from close range, while shortly afterwards Koulierakis tried to score with a header but his effort was not too much of a worry for Stankovic, who saved it comfortably.

In the 69th minute, PAOK missed a great opportunity with Despodov getting in behind the visiting defenders, but his shot from slightly wide position was parried for a corner by Stankovic.

Lucescu threw some fresh legs into the battle, and PAOK continued to push for the equalizing goal, which almost came in the 81st minute when Despodov hit the post with a powerful shot.

However, PAOK’s refuse to lose mentality struck again. The Double-headed Eagle players fought until the last minute and were duly justified. In the 89th minute, after a free-kick taken by Taison, Kedziora poppped up in rthe right place to head home and make the final score 1-1.

PAOK remain at the top of the standings and now turn their attention to the second leg of their Greek Cup semi-final tie against Panathinaikos at the Toumba. 

Team lineups:

PAOK: Kotarski, Baba, Koulierakis, Kedziora, Sastre (Otto 76′), Meite, Ozdoev (Schwab 76′), Taison, Murg, A.Zivkovic (Konstantelias 72′), Samatta (Brandon 76′).

AEK: Stankovic, Rota (Zinic 82′), Vida, Callens, Pelios, Jonsson, Pineda, Gacinovic (Ljubicic 82′), Eliasson (Mantalos 72′), Zuber (Araujo 82′), Levia Garcia (Ponce 74′).