Pelkas late strike makes it 2/2 for PAOK
Atromitos came to pack their defence at the Toumba Stadium and to try and hit the home side on the counterattack. PAOK, however, were well-read, showed patience, and kept their heads. After hotting hte woodwork twice, PAOK kep going and grabbed a winner thanks to Dimitris Pelkas to clinch a 1-0 win on Matchday 2 of the 2025-26 Stoiximan Super League.
With several changes in his lineup compared to last Thursday’s European game, Razvan Lucescu lined up his team with Pavlenka between the posts, Sastre and Taylor in the full-back positions, Kedziora and Michailidis in central defence, Ozdoev and Meite in central midfield, with Ivanusec in front of them, while A. Zivkovic and Despodov flanked frontman Giakoumakis.
PAOK started the game very strongly and in the first minute they created and missed their first chance, with Despodov crossing for Giakoumakis who sent the ball wide. Kedziora had a good header shortly afterwards which did not find the target, while Sastre was also off target with a powerful shot in the ninth minute.
Atromitos limited themslves to a more passive role in the game and looked for counter-attacking chances, but PAOK’s defensive line did not give the visitors any opportunities, with Tzovaras having the only threat with a long shot that Pavlenka dealth with comfortably.
The Double-headed Eagle, on their part, tried to threaten, had some good moments, with Sastre, Kedziora, while a combination of Choutesiotis and the post stopped an excellent free kick by Despodov in the 35th minute.
PAOK also threatened with A. Zivkovic in the 42nd minute, while in the 45+4 minute Atromitos were left with 10 players, with Baku shown a second yellow card for a foul on Taylor and being sent off as a result.
The second half started with PAOK keeping the ball and threatening with shots from Despodov, Giakoumakis and Meite in the first quarter of the half. In the 65th minute the ball hit Choutesiotis post for the second time, with Meite heading goalwards after a cross from Despodov.
The solution finally came in the 73rd minute. Ozdoev sent over a cross and Pelkas sent the ball into the net with his body at the far post to make it 1-0, finding the net for the second consecutive match after coming off the bench.
PAOK then managed the rest of the match perfectly, also had two good moments to extend their lead via Pelkas and Kamaras, but the score remained the same until the final whistle.
The Double-headed Eagle made it two wins from two games and now have 15 days ahead to regroup and prepare to be in tip top shape for the restart.
Team lineups:
PAOK: Pavlenka, Sastre, Kedziora, Lovren, Taylor, Meite, Ozdoev (78′ Kamara-90′ Thimianis), Ivanusec (60′ Taison), A. Zivkovic (60′ Pelkas), Despodov, Giakoumakis (78′ Chalov).
Atromitos: Hutesiotis, Uronen, Kini (79′ Jubitana), Mansour, Stavropoulos, Tsingaras, Michorl, Baku, Tzovaras (68′ Karamanis), Ozegovic (83′ Van Fert), Palmezano (46′ Mundes).
