At “Vikelidis“, AEK only found the net in the 6th minute with Gatsinovich, but the goal was disallowed due to Koita’s hand at the start of the phase.
In the 17th minute Odubajo had a cross, and Aris responded to the opportunities in the 37th minute, with Diadi. The Senegalese suffered a muscle injury and was replaced by Moron, who equalized the score of the first leg in stoppage time.
AEK finally managed to find the qualifying goal in the 80th minute Questa blocked Eliasson’s shot and Martial scored 1-1 in an empty net.
AEK found the back of the net in stoppage time with Pineda, but the goal was disallowed for Garcia. In the quarter-finals, apart from the prospect, they will face PAOK, who will be asked at 3:30 pm to defend their 3-0 advantage against Aegaleo.
At 17:30, Olympiacos plays against Kallithea, at 19:30, Volos against OFI, and at 21:30 Panathinaikos plays at home to Atromitos, a match postponed due to george Baldock’s funeral.
Panachaiki also took the ticket to the quarter-finals, and after a 1-1 draw in Zirineio, Kifisia won 1-0 in Patras, thanks to Poleto’s goal in the 26th minute.
How can AEK prepare strategically for their upcoming match against PAOK after the recent challenges faced in the league?
Interview with Sports Analyst Dr. Alex McKenzie on the Recent AEK Match and League Insights
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr.McKenzie. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent AEK match at “Vikelidis.” What were your key takeaways from the game, especially regarding the controversial moments?
Dr. Alex McKenzie: Thank you for having me.The match was quite intense, and the disallowed goal by Gatsinovich in the 6th minute certainly set a tone of frustration for AEK. The handball by Koita was a pivotal moment that altered the momentum early on. It’s crucial for teams to maintain composure after such incidents, and AEK managed to rally back, which is commendable.
time.news Editor: Indeed, Team resilience is essential.How did AEK’s performance evolve throughout the match, especially after the injury to Diadi?
Dr.Alex McKenzie: The injury to Diadi in the 37th minute was significant for Aris, leading to Moron’s introduction, who eventually scored the equalizer in stoppage time. AEK capitalized on their chances in the latter half, notably scoring in the 80th minute through Martial. It showcased their ability to adapt and seize opportunities,even when facing adversity. Such moments can galvanize a team’s spirit moving into crucial matches.
Time.news Editor: With the disallowed goal by Pineda in stoppage time, how do you think referee decisions impact player morale and tactics?
Dr. Alex McKenzie: Refereeing decisions can immensely affect player morale and tactical approaches. Disallowed goals can lead to frustration or, conversely, motivate players to push harder. In AEK’s case,despite the disappointment,their persistence paid off ultimately. However, teams must learn to refocus quickly after controversial decisions to maintain their levels of performance.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, AEK is set to face PAOK in the quarter-finals. What should AEK focus on to improve their chances against a strong opponent?
Dr. Alex McKenzie: AEK needs to focus on defensive solidity and capitalizing on set pieces. PAOK will come into the match with momentum from their previous 3-0 lead. AEK must minimize defensive errors and create scoring opportunities consistently.Additionally, they should look to exploit any early fatigue in PAOK, especially since they are coming off a substantial advantage.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of other teams, how do you assess the performances of teams like Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, and Panachaiki moving forward in their respective matches?
Dr. Alex McKenzie: Olympiacos needs to maintain their offensive pressure against Kallithea,while Panathinaikos faces a unique situation having postponed their match due to external circumstances. This break could be an advantage or disadvantage depending on how they handle it. Panachaiki is proving to be a dark horse, highlights like Poleto’s goal exemplify their fighting spirit. Each team must stay mentally prepared as the league progresses.
Time.news Editor: Any practical advice for fans and analysts observing these matches moving forward?
Dr. Alex McKenzie: fans should look beyond just the scores; understanding the tactical nuances can elevate their viewing experience. Analyzing player movements, set-piece strategies, and substitutions can provide insight into why certain teams succeed or struggle. For analysts, maintaining awareness of injury impacts and player psychology, highlighted by events such as significant goals being disallowed, is crucial in forming objective assessments of team performance.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. McKenzie, for sharing your insights. It will be exciting to see how the upcoming games unfold.
dr.Alex McKenzie: My pleasure. I’m looking forward to the matches as well. There’s always so much to unpack in football!