paokfc.gr/First Team/Gutsy PAOK clinch comeback derby win
Gutsy PAOK clinch comeback derby win
Two of the constants of life are the following: on the one hand, you should never write off PAOK in difficult times, and on the other hand, a united PAOK is unyielding. In the first half, everything went wrong, but no one gave up. The players, a collective clenched fist out on the pitch, with passion overflowing, and the noise from the stands providing the pulse at every moment – and everything changed. The players gave their heart and soul, came from behind and recorded a great and well-deserved victory against Olympiacos at the Toumba Stadium, beating their title rivals 2-1 on Matchday 6t of the 2025-26 Stoiximan Super League.
It was, by definition, an extremely difficult game. Two teams with quality and determination to win lined up against each other, after midweek European games for both sides, at the Toumba Stadium and fought until the end for the three points.
In the first half, PAOK seemed affected by the recent lack of form; they had a plan, but they lacked self-confidence. Olympiacos tried to take advantage of it, closed down the spaces, and made headway towards Tsiftsis’ goal, creating chances and eventually taking the lead in the 22nd minute, with El Kaabi providing the assist to Chiquinho to make it 1-0 to the visitors.
PAOK tried to react, had two good moments with Konstantelias and Kamaras, but the score did not change until the half-time break. In addition to the score, the Double-headed Eagle also had to deal with the loss of goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka , who felt discomfort in his groin and was replaced by Tsiftsis at half-time.
The PAOK that came out in the second half, however, was a different team. It was a PAOK side with a glint in their eye, a team that came out focused on the goal of fighting for every ball, every tackle, every half-chance.
The two teams started the second half with a good chance apiece, and in the 63rd minute came the moment that changed the entire match. Taison surged forward and took advantage of a slip by Ortega as both challenged for the ball. The Brazilian entered the penalty area and slotted a low, side-footed show past Tzolakis intothe bottom right corner for 1-1, setting… the terraces on fire.
The momentum was clearly in PAOK’s favor afterwards and it showed in every phase of play. In the 75th minute, the turnaround came. Konstantelias tormented the Olympiacos defense, Costinha fouled the PAOK man and Andrija Zivkovic converted the resulting penalty kick to make it 2-1.
PAOK continued with their foot on the gas, scoring another goal through Giakoumakis , which was, however, ruled out after a VAR intervention, while the Greek forward also hit the post shortly before the final whistle with an audacious effort from wide out on the right flank o na counter-attack with Tzolakis stranded.
PAOK gave everything until the end, did not allow Olympiacos to threaten, caimed the three points and overtook the Red and Whites in the battle for the top spot.
Team lineups:
PAOK: Pavlenka (46′ Tsiftsis), Baba, Lovren, Kedziora, Kenny, Meite, Kamara (54′ Ozdoev), Taison (63′ Despodov), Konstantelias (88′ Ivanusec), A. Zivkovic, Giakoumakis.
Olympiacos: Tzolakis, Ortega, Pirola, Biancone, Costinha (85′ Yazici), Hezze, Garcia (71′ Mouzakitis), Podence, Chiquinho, Martins (77′ Taremi), El Kaabi.
Konstantelias and Kamaras, but the score did not change until the break.
In addition to the score, the Two-Headed also had to deal with the loss of Jiri Pavlenka, who felt discomfort in the forward and gave his place to Tsiftsis.
The PAOK that came out in the second half, however, was a different PAOK. A PAOK with a shining eye, that came in with the goal of fighting for every phase, every moment, every ball.
The two teams entered the second half with a good moment on each side, and in the 63rd minute came the moment that changed the entire match. Tyson claimed a ball, Ortega made a mistake, the Brazilian entered the area and scored against Tzolakis for 1-1, setting... the field on fire.
The momentum was in PAOK's favor and it came out in every phase. In the 75th minute, the turnaround came. Constantelias tormented the Olympiacos defense, Costinia overturned him and Andrija Zivkovic was accurate from the penalty spot for 2-1.
PAOK continued with their foot on the gas, scoring another goal with Giakoumakis, which was however canceled after VAR intervention, while the Greek forward also hit the post shortly before the final.
The Two-Headed gave everything until the end, did not allow Olympiacos to threaten, took the three points and overtook the "red and white" in the battle for the top spot.
The team lineups:
PAOK: Pavlenka (46' Tsiftsis), Baba, Lovren, Kenjiora, Kenny, Meite, Kamara (54' Ozdoev), Tyson (63' Despondov), Constantelias (88' Ivanushek), A. Zivkovic, Giakoumakis
Olympiacos: Tzolakis, Ortega, Pirola, Biancone, Costinha (85' Yazici), Esse, Garcia (71' Mouzakitis), Podense, Cicinio, Martins (77' Taremi), El Kaabi" data-crosslingual-hint="" data-location="2" data-enable-toggle-playback-speed="true" data-results-count="1" data-result-index="1">
