Sunday’s match at Toumba presented the players of Igor Tudor with the opportunity to provide answers. The Croatian coach deemed imperative to make changes in his squad in order to rest some players ahead of their tough schedule. Although the tempo suffered a bit for it, eventually that move provided the expected result.

PAOK kicked off strongly and dominated proceedings, however their efforts would prove fruitless against Veria’s double defensive line. At the stroke of half hour, the home side managed to get in their rivals’ box in search of the opener. They achieved it in minute 42, with a spot kick by Dimitar Berbatov, after Giannis Skondras was brought down.

After the interval, everything suggested that things would be less complicated as Veria didn’t alter their tactics. However, PAOK were equalized against the run of play in the 65th minute with a goal by Majewski, who took advantage of Nikos Melissas’s blunder, after he failed to communicate with his defenders.

A few weeks ago, such an error would have caused frustration and stress to the team. But Tudor’s players kept their head cool, they continued charging forward for the winner. After a few chances wasted, Stefanos Athanasiadis restored PAOK’s lead in the 74th minute, collecting the rebound after Róbert Mak’s shot was cleared off the line.

The “Double-Headed Eagle” completed a perfect week with two league wins and a qualification to the Greek Cup quarter-finals, while also activating new faces and fine-tuning their 4-2-3-1 tactics who are proving spot on.

Line-ups:

PΑΟΚ: Melissas, Skondras, Vítor, Malezas (Charisis 46′), Korovesis, Kace, Tziolis, Μak ( Pelkas 77′), Jairo (Mystakidis 68′), Berbatov, Athanasiadis.

Veria: Kantimiris, Malón, Μarangos, Ostojić, Nastos (Xobilios 82′), Arce, Siontis, Georgiadis, Αbdoun (Κajkut 46′), Μajewski, Κola (Νeto 46′)