When the halftime score in the AEK–Panaitolikos match is 3–0 and AEK might even feel… shortchanged, then it’s easy to see that they did something very right. In the end, the victory came with a 5-0 score, but such lopsided scores are no longer surprising in matches at Nea Filadelfia. AEK has played seven home games this season, winning all seven with a goal differential of 30-1. So, the score against Agrinio was, you might say, to be expected.
The yellow-and-blacks did whatever they wanted on the field, with tremendous intensity, relentless running, constant movement with and without the ball, and a strong determination to seal the victory as quickly as possible. Four nights earlier, at Etihad Stadium, against Manchester City, this group—which has been coached by Marko Nikolić for about 1.5 years—experienced its toughest night and suffered its most lopsided defeat. They faced one of the best teams in the world, which made them suffer for 90 minutes, confirming that they will face very difficult situations in the Champions League.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
OFI: Bonus from Bouzis following the victory over PAOK
However, such trials also have their positives, which are reflected in domestic competitions: AEK is constantly “hardened” and is learning to compete in matches of the highest difficulty. In fact, when this carries over to a Greek league match, everything seems easier because the team maintains its high tempo, intensity, and high speed, resulting in them dominating their opponents, who are clearly not at the same level as the teams they face in Europe. Something similar happened last year, when AEK gave it their all against Rayo to advance to the Conference League semifinals and, three days later, faced PAOK. Most people talked about the fatigue that would set in and negatively affect the team. Not only did that not happen, but AEK was dominant, riding the momentum they’d built, and won comfortably 3-0.
Let’s return, however, to the easy victory over Panetolikos, where, on an individual level, several players deserve mention. The defensive back four didn’t have much work to do, as they weren’t really threatened, while in midfield, Vitalis played a very good game, providing the assist for Koita’s goal with a brilliant pass and taking more offensive initiative than in previous appearances (3 key passes, 94% pass accuracy, with 22/22 in the opponent’s half and 4 steals). Having Mandalos on the field in such matches is a luxury, because he’s heavily involved in the play, constantly asks for the ball, and can start from the left, but he doesn’t stay there—he cuts into the center and has the ability to link up in tight spaces, a skill that’s invaluable when the opponent defends in a compact formation.
Koita was the standout, with a goal and an assist, as he ran riot on the right flank and confirmed that he’s at his best on that side, even though his natural position is on the left, a fact that Nikolić himself confirmed at the press conference. The Mauritanian is a rare gem of an attacking midfielder—the kind you hardly ever find in the Greek league: he’s unpredictable, gets into a lot of one-on-one duels, has excellent dribbling stats (3/6 against Panetolikos), and, most importantly, has great confidence in his feet. Yes, in some cases he may overdo it, but it’s a huge asset for an attacking midfielder to shoot so well with both feet, from close range or from distance.
Of course, Zini was also among the standout players; he scored and was a constant threat, moving slightly behind Varga and breaking out of the box, while his speed also earned the penalty, which the Hungarian converted into a goal. It’s significant that Zubkov found the back of the net; he came on as a substitute in yet another match and showed promising signs, suggesting he has a good chance of starting on Wednesday against PAOK at Toumba.
In addition to all this, AEK has also gone a full year undefeated in the league, with the most challenging stretch of the season so far ahead of them, featuring two derbies against PAOK and Panathinaikos, as well as the historic match against Real Madrid. These aren’t matches that will determine the team’s goals, but by the end of the season, they may be remembered as pivotal for Nikolić’s team…
*photo source: KYPE
