PAOK walked out onto the Toumba Stadium pitch with the intention of not giving Atromitos any leeway and essentially managed to keep the ball almost exclusively for themselves from the start, with the visitors limited to a somewhat passive role, although still making it difficult for Lucescu’s players to penetrate the final third.

Indicative of the match was that the first substantial opportunity came in the 19th minute, when A. Zivkovic passed to Sastre and he missed with a shot on the move from a wide position. A minute later came the phase that largely determined the outcome of the match. Athanasiou found Schwab in the face with his boot, and referee Fotias showed him a straight red card and PAOK gained a crucial numerical advantage.

After the sending off, Atromitos retreated further back into their shell, and PAOK threatened twice with Kedziora, while in the 37th minute, Choutesiotis made a great save from a direct free-kick executed by Despondov.

Finally, PAOK found the breakthrough in first-half injury time. Konstantelias produced a magical piece of play to find Despondov, whose resulting effort hit the post. But Chalov was there to coolly slot home the rebound to make it 1-0.

Lucescu’s team started the second half as they ended the first. After a wonderful combination in the 49th minute, Schwab passed to A. Zivkovic, who fired in a shot which went in via a deflection off Ouedraogo for 2-0.

Atromitos tried to react and they even won a penalty, but Kotarski was there again and saved former PAOK man Warda’s effort, keeping the 2-0 scoreline intact.

Lucescu then made some changes, PAOK continued to fully control the match, missing some important chances via Despodov , and Baba on two occasions, but also with a header by Michailides, before Mady Kamara added the third goal – and the last of the year for the home side. Vieirinha was the creator, sending over a wonderful cross and the Guinea midfielder beat Choutesiotis to make it 3-0.

The Double-headed Eagle then wrapped up their competitive obligations with three points and in 2025, they will kick things off just one point off top spot and still in three competitions.

Team lineups:

PAOK: Kotarski, Sastre, Kedziora, Michailides, Baba, Schwab, Ozdoev (72′ Kamara), Konstantelias (86′ Vieirinha), Despodov (86′ Shoretire), A. Zivkovic (77′ Tissoudali), Chalov (72′ Samatta).

Atromitos: Choutesiotis, Athanasiou, Stavropoulos, Pomonis (60′ Tzovaras), Brorsson, Moudes, Karamanis, Warda (70′ Kaloskamis), Ouedraogo (71′ Vrakas), Baku, Van Wert (33′ Tsingaras).