PAOK started strongly, claimed ball possession and launched their attacks mainly from the flanks. The home side tried their luck with long crosses, easily handled by the “Double-Headed Eagle’s” defenders. Kyrialanis broke the deadlock in the 36th minute with a direct free kick by Kyrialanis.

The complexion of the contest changed after the interval, complicating things for the visitors. Mišković was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence in the 49th minute and, six minutes later, Xanthi equalized.

Pablo García’s troops however didn’t give up. In the 57th minute, Kyrialanis slalomed his way into Xanthi’s area and was brought down. Papathanasiou converted the spot kick restoring PAOK’s lead. The home side gained metres on the pitch by advancing their lines, but the “Double-Headed Eagle’s” players remained extremely focused and held on to victory.

It was the seventh win of the U20s in the last 10 Super League games. Their last defeat dates back to October, when they lost to Olympiacos.

PAOK U20: Siampanis, Mišković, Polyzos, Κyrialanis, Gialamoudis, Papathanasiou, Μeletidis, Chatzidimpas, Αidonidis (60′ Τzovaras), Papadopoulos (65′ Μattheou), Κapretsos (80′ Gintidis)