PAOK arrived at the Toumba with one clear goal. To end 2019 in the same way it began the year – alone at the top. And the best. Without anxiety or pressure, things which this team has learned to manage in an exemplary manner – showing character and mettle came out onto the pitch in determined mood to do what it does best. Playing good football and winning. The record now stands at 51 games and counting.

Atromitos tried manfully and honorably, but ultimately fell to the class of Vireinha, the killer Ingason, Swiderski, and the general excellence of Abel Ferreira’s team. In the space of just six months, the Portuguese has now unquestionably managed to imprint his his character and philosophy onto the to team and it owns the top right now.

Vierinha opened the scoring with a deflected free-kick, and then Ingason took over. His first goal came from close-range and his second was a glacing header from another free-kick. #TheIceman’s classic «I don’t score and score against Barcelona»! celebrations followed.

In the second half, Swiderski won a penalty, which was confirmed via a VAR review from Risvanis’ foul, and the Polish striker converted from 12 yards. In the second half, Lazaros Lamprou made his debut, while Rodrigo came back into the side to serve up an assist for Josip Misic, who scored with a header, and Esiti also came on to play a part in some great football being played. Atromitos did get a consolation goal at 4-1 through Roland Ugrai’s free-kick.

Team line-ups:

PAOK (Ferreira): Zivkovic, Matos (64’ Rodrigo), Ingason, Varela, Giannoulis, Mauricio, Misic, Limnios (71’ Lamprou), Vierinha (78’ Esiti), Pelkas , Swiderksi.

Atromitos (Pantelidis): Megyeri, Risvanis, Talocha, Goutas, Galos, Androutsos (46’ Ugrai), Umbides, Madson, Kivrakakis (73’ Charisis), Manousos, Vellios (46’ N’Sikulu).