Aris had to significantly step up its performance in the second half, but ultimately defeated Marko 1-0 at “Kleanthis Vikelidis” and celebrated its first victory in the League Phase of the Greek Cup, returning to winning ways after two losses and one draw across all competitions.
The “Yellows” controlled possession in the first half, but struggled to create and pose a real threat, with Marko actually having the best chance when Alexander Johansson hit the crossbar. Aris’s performance was disappointing, and the first half ended with boos from the crowd.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Michalis Grigoriou’s three substitutions at halftime—bringing on Manu Garcia, Benjamin Garre, and Josip Sutalo entering the game, injected more energy and aggression into the home team. Aris pressed harder and finally found the net in the 63rd minute.
Sutalo stole the ball and sent in a cross, Christian Kouamé took the shot, and Pavlos Smalis, in his attempt to clear it, inadvertently sent the ball into his own net for a 1-0 lead.
Aris held onto its lead until the end and earned three important points, getting off to a winning start in the tournament and moving up to 4 points. On the other hand, Marko remained at 1 point after two matches.
Aris (Grigoriou): Velio – Petris, Fabiano (46’ Sutało), Tiam, Haroupas (80’ Papasaraphianos) – Voriazidis, Basiru (58’ Moron) – Palasios (46’ Garé), Kouamé, Bouzaid – Mir (46’ García)
Marko (Soulis Markopoulos): Theodorakis – Kopanidis, Smalis, Stamou, Detler (67’ Betsirović) – Konstantakopoulos, Oikonomidis (67’ Mentosa) – Milojević (75’ Pavlidis), Nekoul (59’ Müller), Johansson (59’ Busaid) – Alexopoulos.
*photo source: KYPE
