PAOK impress at Chania
PAOK emerged victorious out of their encounter at Chania against Platanias, after a demure, commanding and problem-free performance. The 4-0 scoreline is quite eloquent anyway… Angelos Anastasiadis’ troops were rather cautious in the opening stages of the match, but quickly adapted to the game at hand, closed all spaces leading to their box, passed the ball around comfortably and converted the chances they created.
Platanias’ defence held firm for 39 minutes, until they conceded the first goal. Raț took the corner kick and Stefanos Athanasiadis headed the ball home, opening his account in this season’s league. PAOK were attacking in waves by then and Kace had already been denied by the woodwork. It was the perfect time for the opener, as proved by the complexion of the encounter in the second half.
Fanis Tzandaris, who had replaced Hedwiges Maduro (pulled muscle in left thigh), produced a defence-splitting pass, Giannis Skondras diverted it towards the centre of the box and Dimitris Salpingidis made it 2-0 with a cool finish. PAOK were dominating proceedings, enjoyed possession and Platanias were unable to react. Substitute Tetteh was very nervous (without obvious reason). Referee Κalogeropoulos cautioned him when he stepped on Salpingidis, he didn’t send him off when he elbowed the same player, but gave him his marching orders in the 79th minute, after a rough challenge on Tzandaris.
With Platanias in numeric inferiority and PAOK determined to finish the encounter, things became simpler. After internal modifications of the system, Raț played in a more advanced position and he crossed towards the box. Salpingidis’ shot bounced off the post but Róbert Μak collected the rebound and made it 3-0. Giannis Skondras sealed the team’s stroll in the 89th minute, teed up by Mak with an excellent pass.
It would be unfair to look for players who stood out, as all those who participated followed Anastasiadis’ plans to the letter. The team were disciplined and imaginative, securing their first league victory of the season.
Line-ups:
Platanias: Peristeridis, Banana, Aguilera, Neplyakh, Zaradoukas, Apostolopoulos (78′ Coulibaly), Mendrinos, Mahamat, Tsourakis, Goundoulakis (61′ Tetteh), Nazlidis (58′ Torres)
PΑΟΚ: Glykos, Skondras, Tzavellas, Vítor, Raț (83′ Pozatzidis), Tziolis (76′ Katsikas), Maduro (27′ Tzandaris), Kace, Mak, Salpingidis, Athanasiadis.
