PAOK scores derby delight against Aris, AEK triumphs over Atromitos
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Some strong performances from the two Doubled-headed eagles of Greek football helped them both score comfortable wins in the 13th round of the Greek Super League, with PAOK defeating crosstown rivals Aris 3-1 and AEK overwhelming Atromitos 4-1.
The Thessaloniki derby went in PAOK’s favour as they ensured the points in front of their home faithful at “Toumba” Stadium on Monday morning (AEDT), with a double from Giorgos Giakoumakis spurring them to victory.
The first two goals were shared one apiece after Taison (28′) and Fredik Hensen (45′) both found the back of the net, though the next two went PAOK’s way as Giakoumakis first converted a penalty (45+6′) before grabbing his second minutes into the second half (48′).
Aris was left very frustrated with the officiating in the clash, making announcements even during the contest calling out the referees for costing them the game, while coach Manolo Jimenez added to the criticisms post-match by specifically addressing what he felt was inconsistency in VAR use.
“When people see the dangerous play on Rose… It is understandable that he did not see the phase, but why does VAR not call him to see it? Who is VAR for? For the rich or the poor? It should be for everyone,” Jimenez said to media before citing the other phases, including the penalty PAOK was given, as examples of the inconsistency that contributed to their loss.
“After all this, it is difficult for a team to stay focused in a match. These three phases before half-time resulted in us losing our minds. PAOK has quality players, but I do not stand on the competitive part. These three phases determined the final result.”
AEK put together a dominant display against Atromitos, earning a 4-1 victory to stay within range of first-placed Olympiacos.
Enosi owed the win to goals from Orbelin Pineda (18′), Luka Jovic (65′, 70′ pen.) and Robert Ljubicic (87′) with the Peristeriotes’ only resistance coming from Panagiotis Tsandilas (73′).
Panathinaikos, meanwhile, suffered from a last-minute penalty to share the points in a 2-2 away draw against Larissa.
The Greens overturned the scoreline after conceding first, thanks to Facundo Perez (37′), with Davide Calabria (43′) and captain Anastasios Bakasetas (74′ pen.) helping them claim the lead.
Filip Mladenovic then gave away a penalty in the dying minutes in what also saw him get sent off for a second yellow, and Giannis Pasas made the “Trifylli’ pay by converting the spot-kick (90+9′).
It is another costly result for Panathinaikos whose championship chances now appear well in doubt, while the game also marked Larissa’s final one with Stelios Malezas in charge after the club announced his sacking after the game.
Asteras Tripolis and Levadiakos split the points in a 1-1 draw, while Olympiacos beat OFI 3-0, and Volos drew 1-1 with Kifisia in the Sunday games.
The final game will see Panserraikos battle Panitolikos on Tuesday morning.
League Table
1. Olympiacos 34
2. PAOK 32
3. AEK 31
4. Levadiakos 22
5. Volos 22
6. Panathinaikos 19 (12 games played).
7. Aris 16
8. Kifisia 16
9. Asteras Tripolis 12
10. Panitolikos 12 (12)
11. Atromitos 9
12. OFI 9 (12)
13. AEL 8
14. Panserraikos 5 (12)
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
