Businesslike PAOK make it… 2/2
PAOK demonstrated focus, determination and perfect preparation as they took care of business to defeat Panetolikos 2-0 despite the fact that it proved difficult to unlock the visitors’ defence. Both goals came in the second half to secure a second three-point haul of the season in as many games so far in this year’s Stoiximan Super League.
PAOK lined up with many changes in relation to the game against Shamrock Rovers and had difficulty finding rhythm and ways to break down the visitors’ multi-faceted defence.
In fact, the Agrinio club started strongly as they aimed to spring a surprise, but Kotarski was ready in the first minute and saved Perez’s shot. PAOK responded to that with an opportunity of their own in the 19th minute with Murg forcing Chavez into an impressive save with a shot from distance.
The Double-headed Eagle threatened via Kamara and Konstantelias without finding the way to the net, while on the Panetolikos front, Bouzoukis forced Kotarski into another impressive stop in the 31st minute, while Diaz did not find the target in the next minute.The two teams then seemed to cancel each other out for the remainder of the first half and the 0-0 scoreline remained unchanged as the players disappeared down the tunnel into the dressing rooms.
PAOK began the second half well and threatened in the first few minutes with Konstantelias , Despodov and Murg , but again Chavez and the Panetolikos defense had the answers.
Just when frustration was seeming to grow, in the 51st minute, Razvan Lucescu’s team finally got the goal they wanted. After an excellent team move, Despodov crossed and Sastre made it 1-0 with a header.
After the goal, PAOK were in control, and did not come under any goal threat from their opponents. Mewanwhile, they missed two good chances with Schwab and Despodov not able to find the back o the net, only for Tissuundali to arrive in the 79th minute and wrap things up with a goal after an assist from Andrija Zivkovic. It was his first goal since joining the club, making it 2 -0 and locked up the three points.
Team lineups:
PAOK: Kotarski, Rafa Soares, Michailidis, Kedziora, Sastre, Kamara (Ozdoev 71′), Schwab, Murg (Taison 71′), Konstantelias (Soretiere 85′), Despodov (A.Zivkovic 71′), Chalov (Tissoundali 71′ ).
Panetolikos: Chaves, Pantelakis, Mlanden (Midevax 62′), Mavrias, Torrejon, Liavas, Peres (Louis 73′), Bouzoukis (Kontouris 62′), Belevonis (Layoud 62′), Diaz (Nicolaou 78′), Lomonakos.
