PAOK, the reigning champions, initially struggled but ultimately secured a convincing victory over Volos. They also benefited from a “gift” from local rivals Aris, who defeated Olympiakos 2-1 in Thessaloniki, temporarily lifting PAOK to the top of the table (with AEK set to play on Sunday, potentially matching their points).
Meanwhile, the legendary Claude Makélélé made his Greek debut as head coach, with Asteras taking an early lead but ultimately settling for a 1-1 draw in Agrinio.
Volos – PAOK 1-4
PAOK maintained their unbeaten record, though the final score is somewhat unfair to Volos, who faced an outstanding Kotarski. The Croatian goalkeeper made two crucial saves within 40 seconds and stopped Altman’s penalty, with PAOK entering the game sluggishly, only waking up after five minutes. They took control and went ahead in the 24th minute with a penalty from Schwab, while Ferrari left Volos with 10 men after being sent off in the 36th minute.
The second half was decided between the 54th and 60th minutes. Murg made it 2-0 with a fortunate goal, but in the 56th minute, Mendieta scored a stunning header to reduce the deficit to 2-1. However, Tyson restored PAOK’s lead with an unstoppable shot in the 60th minute, making it 3-1. Chalov added the finishing touch with his first goal in black and white, scoring after a volley from the opposing goalkeeper.
Aris – Olympiakos 2-1
Aris secured their first home win of the season, handing Olympiakos their first loss and shifting the standings at the top. The yellow-blacks are temporarily in 4th place, while Olympiakos has fallen from the top and could drop to third if AEK wins on Sunday.
Aris struck early, taking the lead in the 3rd minute through Manu García, with Olympiakos unable to respond. Before the half-time whistle, Aris doubled their lead with a goal from Morón in the 41st minute.
In the second half, Mendilibar brought on Oliveira, Willian, and later Yaremchuk, but despite their pressure, Olympiakos couldn’t create chances, while Aris had several opportunities to make it 3-0. Finally, El Kaabi reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the 96th minute, but the Italian referee Pireto blew the final whistle moments later.
Panetolikos – Asteras Tripolis 1-1
In the first half where everything was essentially decided, Asteras was the better side. They hit the post twice, in the 19th and 28th minutes, but Yablonski scored in the continuation of the latter chance to make it 1-0. However, the lead didn’t last long, as Lomonaco, left unmarked by the defense, equalized in the 35th minute.
In the second half, Panetolikos was the superior side, creating significant opportunities to take the lead. However, goalkeeper Papadopoulos and the post denied them, with Asteras playing with 10 men from the 69th minute after Triantafyllopoulos was sent off.
RESULTS (5th round)
Saturday, September 21
Volos – PAOK 1-4
Aris – Olympiakos 2-1
Panetolikos – Asteras Tripolis 1-1
Sunday, September 22
16:30 Levadiakos – OFI
18:00 Panathinaikos – Panserraikos
20:30 Atromitos – Lamia
21:00 Athens Kallithea – AEK
NEXT ROUND (6th round, September 28-29)
Saturday, September 28
17:00 Volos – Athens Kallithea
20:00 Asteras Tripolis – Levadiakos
Sunday, September 29
17:00 OFI – Panetolikos
19:00 Olympiakos – Atromitos
20:30 PAOK – Aris
21:00 AEK – Panathinaikos
Monday, September 30
20:00 Lamia – Panserraikos
STANDINGS (After 4 matches)
- PAOK 13
- Olympiakos 10
- AEK 10
- Aris 8
- OFI 7
- Atromitos 5
- Panathinaikos 5
- Lamia 5
- Panetolikos 5
- Asteras Aktor 5
- Athens Kallithea 3
- Volos 3
- Levadiakos 2
- Panserraikos 1
PAOK, Volos, Aris, Olympiakos, Panetolikos, and Asteras have played one extra match each.
