A typical day at work
A favourable first-leg result, pressure of being the tie favourite, an excellent opponent… All these factors could have worked against PAOK, but, on the contrary, the “Double-Headed Eagle” defeated Atromitos 3-1 and celebrated their passage to the Greek Cup semis on a 5-1 aggregate score.
Yevhen Shakhov gave PAOK the lead in the 30th minute with a close-range finish. The Ukrainian midfielder, on his way to the competition’s MVP distinction, added yet another important goal to his tally. His strike changed the complexion of the Peristeri encounter, as the “Double-Headed Eagle” put qualification out of reach for the home side.
Atromitos wasted two opportunities to equalize in the first half, but managed to score in the 55th minute. Rewarded for their attacking efforts, they made it 1-1 with a header by Vasilakakis.
The home side took the foot off the throttle after their goal and PAOK welcomed the opportunity. They regained their lead with a long-range strike by José Alberto Cañas and Efthymis Koulouris scored PAOK’s third in the 79th minute, teed up by super sub Diego Biseswar.
Márcio Azevedo put on a fine performance in his first start for PAOK, while Thibault Moulin made his debut for the visitors.
Line-ups:
Atromitos (Damir Canadi): Mirković, Κivrakidis, Κarasalidis, Risvanis, Sakic, Umbides, Bušuladžić, Νatsos (73’ Κyriakidis), Bruno, Diguiny (46’ Vasilakakis), Dauda (46’ Κotsopoulos).
PΑΟΚ ( Răzvan Lucescu ): Paschalakis, Μatos (57’ Crespo), Varela, Μalezas, Azevedo, Cañas, Shakhov (75’ Μoulin), Pelkas (61’ Biseswar), Limnios, Μak, Κoulouris.
