AEK – PAS Ioannina 4-2 / ​​The “killer” Ponce “signed” the upset for the Union

Overturning a 1-2 first half deficit, AEK beat PAS Ioannina 4-2 at the OPAP Arena and remained at the top of the Super League after the 25th matchday. Simanski (15′), Ponce (69′, 79′) and Ljubicic (74′) scored the goals of the champion, while Sobocinski (35′), Tzimas (44′) scored for the visitors.

In an exciting first half, AEK took an early lead but the visitors went into the dressing room with the lead! In the 15th minute from a great effort by Amrabad, Szymanski crossed first and opened the scoring with his first goal of the year.

AEK seemed to manage the match comfortably, but gradually PAS began to step on its feet better and raise claims for something good in New Philadelphia.

Thus, in the 35th minute, Michalis Grigoriou’s team committed a foul from the left, the ball went through everyone and Sobotchinski, who was at the second post, defeated Stankovic for 1-1.

In the 44th minute, Leo stole from Zuber, passed to Jima and he scored 1-2 with a “shell” in the opposite corner.

It was obvious that something had to change at AEK. Both teams lined up with many absences, but the Union looked more affected, even though their key players (Garcia, Pineda, Zuber) were present.

As was normal, AEK increased the pressure from the start of the second half, forcing PAS into a passive role.

The “yellow and black” constantly had the ball in their possession and, although they did not create classic chances, they caused enormous fatigue to their opponents. The continuous “fillings” bore fruit in the 69th minute when Ponce equalized with a header from a foul by Mandalo.

Five minutes later, another Eliasson corner saw Hadjisafi head home at the far post and Ljubicic got past Souli to give his side the lead.

It was the Austrian’s first goal in the AEK jersey. In the 80th minute, another foul by Mandalos, a header by Ponce and 4-2!

Up until that point Union had four shots on target, as many goals, three of them in set pieces and within a span of 10 minutes. He was next to reach victory, with such efficiency!

AEK (Matias Almeida): Stankovic, Sidibe (57′ Ljubicic), Vida, Hadjisafi, Pelios (79′ Mitoglou), Simanski (57′ Jonsson), Amrabad, Pineda, Eliasson, Zuber (57′ Mandalos), Garcia (46′ Ponce )

PAS Ioannina (Mihalis Grigoriou): Soulis, Soria, Tsoushis, Sobotchinski, Bakadimas, Liassos, Demir (64′ Tutu), Gino (84′ Begala), Rosales (75′ Conte), Jimas (75′ Panagou), Leo Batistis

Referee: Dimitris Maloutas
Kitrines: Tzimas, Soulis