The Double-headed Eagle made a significant step towards the Greek Cup semi-finals thanks to a 5-2 home win over the rivals from Fthiotida in the first leg match.

Even though PAOK went ahead twice in the first half, Lamia fought back bravely and took adantage of a couple of opportunities to draw level. However, in the second half, the home side turned up the heat and won comfortably in the end.

The game’s standout player for PAOK was Michael Krmencik. The Czech forward came off the bench to galvanise the hosts, breathing new life into their attackting options. Firstly he hit the woodwork with a close-range effort, and Tzolis converted the rebound to make it 3-2. After that, he scored a wonderful goal which was unfortunately ruled out for offside, before finding the net with a nice piece of individual skill in the closing moments to wrap up the victory.

And in the poll for the Protergia Fans’ Man of the Match, Krmencik received 35,89% of the votes to take home the individual award.

In second place was Christos Tzolis, who scored twice, while also being a constant thorn in the side of the opposition defenders, while the podium was completed by Rodrigo Soares, who produced an accomplioshed display which was capped by his first goal for the club, the Brazilian scoring with a superb looping effort.