PAOK “escaped” (1-2) from Tripoli with an upset in the second half and returned to win in the championship. Makeda opened the scoring for the hosts but the “black and white” had the answers with Despontov and Baba to get three valuable points.
In a fairly “close” game, Asteras had the first final try with Yablonski in the 7th minute, with Kotarski there. From then on, PAOK took the reins of possession, coming close to 70% in the first half but could not find a way to break the “Gordian link” of the Arcadians’ defense.
With two “players” Konstantelia and Murg, PAOK was turning the ball correctly but lacked the final energy in the attacking third. He threatened Ozdoev, Sastre and Zivkovic and had his biggest chance in the 36th minute when Murg, with a fine move and clearance from outside the area, attempted a left-footed shot but saw the ball end up just over goal Tsintota.
Makeda opened the scoring, PAOK responded with Despontov and Baba
At the start of the second half, in the 50th minute, Asteras opened the scoring with Makeda taking advantage of Yablonski’s assist after a very easy mistake by Michaelidis, which exposed his defense. PAOK pressed in the following minutes, great opportunities missed by Ozdoev and Tisundali. In the 68th minute the equalizer for PAOK came with Chalov, Constantelia and Otto coming together beautifully as Despodov reached the second post and beat Tsintotas with a penalty kick.
In the 70th minute, Otto hit the post with a very nice shot from the edge of the area, and Tsintotas said “no” to Chalov in the 80th minute, keeping the score at 1-1. In the 85th minute, the champions made a full comeback as Baba scored with a powerful right-footed shot after being assisted by Chalov.
The final score was also 1-2, and PAOK won against Tripoli.
Asteras Aktor (Savvas Pantelidis) Tsintotas, Deli, Triantafyllopoulos, Alho, Houhoumis, Yablonski (89′ Palasios), Munioth (89′ Tzimas), Kaltsas (73’ Bille), Regis (73′ Gos), Bartolo, Makeda
PAOK (Razvan Lucescu) Kotarski, Kenziora, Michaelidis, Otto, Sastre (75′ Baba), Kamara, Ozdoev, Murg (64′ Despodov), Constantelias (90′ Thymianis), Zivkovic, Tisundali (64′ Chalov)
How can Asteras improve their performance to avoid similar outcomes in future matches?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Soccer Expert Dr. Alex Papadopoulos
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Papadopoulos. The recent match between PAOK and Asteras has sparked quite a conversation among fans. What were your thoughts on PAOK’s performance in Tripoli?
Dr. Alex Papadopoulos: It was quite a gripping encounter! PAOK managed to secure a valuable win, but not without facing significant challenges. Their ability to adapt after going down to Asteras was commendable. The first half showed them struggling against an organized defense, and I believe their possession stats highlight that struggle.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. They dominated possession at around 70% but couldn’t find a way through. What do you think was missing from their attacking play during that time?
Dr. Alex Papadopoulos: It’s fascinating, isn’t it? They controlled the ball well but lacked that final spark in the attacking third. Both Konstantelia and Murg were instrumental in orchestrating play, yet PAOK seemed to be missing that incisive pass or shot that could break down Asteras’ defenses. It’s almost like they were playing too predictably.
Time.news Editor: Interesting point. After Asteras took the lead with Makeda’s goal, PAOK had to respond. How did you see their reaction to going a goal down?
Dr. Alex Papadopoulos: Their response was remarkable. The mindset shift to become more aggressive was evident. Players like Despontov and Baba really stepped up in the second half, which was crucial. It showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, especially after the initial setback.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of Despontov and Baba, what impact did their contributions have on the match’s outcome?
Dr. Alex Papadopoulos: Their contributions were invaluable. Despontov’s goal changed the dynamics of the game, instilling confidence in the team and revitalizing their attacking momentum. Baba followed suit, and those two goals not only secured the victory but also highlighted the depth of talent within the squad. It was a classic case of key players stepping up when it mattered most.
Time.news Editor: Considering this match and the ongoing season, what do you think PAOK needs to focus on moving forward to maintain their championship ambitions?
Dr. Alex Papadopoulos: They need to work on finishing and creating clearer chances in the final third. Enhancing their creativity to surprise defenses that are as well-organized as Asteras will be crucial. Additionally, maintaining that mental resilience when they go behind will determine how well they can navigate the ups and downs of the season.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, any thoughts on Asteras’ performance? They seemed to start strong but fell short in the end.
Dr. Alex Papadopoulos: Asteras played a disciplined game, especially in the first half. However, they will need to learn how to maintain that intensity throughout the match. Once PAOK leveled the score, Asteras lost some of their composure, which ultimately cost them. Consistency will be key for them as they strive for better results in the future.
Time.news Editor: Wise words, Dr. Papadopoulos. Thank you for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that the dynamics of this match will have lasting implications for the teams as they move through the season.
Dr. Alex Papadopoulos: My pleasure! It’s always exciting to analyze these games, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these teams develop throughout the rest of the season.