AEK and AEL Novibet Share Spoils in a Thrilling Superleague Clash
In a fiercely contested match at the packed AEL FC Novibet Arena, AEK took the lead in the 55th minute through Petros Mantalos, dominating much of the second half. However, AEL Novibet, who struck the woodwork earlier in the 37th minute via Pasa, fought back resiliently. Their persistence paid off when Tsakla headed in an equalizer from a corner kick in the 75th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw. This outcome marked AEK’s first dropped points of the season after three consecutive victories, while AEL Novibet earned a valuable point in front of a vibrant crowd that included around 1,000 AEK supporters.
Team Formations and Tactical Setups
Coach Giorgos Petrakis set up AEL Novibet in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Melissas guarding the goal. The defensive line featured Deligiannidis at right-back, Kovacevic on the left, and center-backs Tsakla and Pantelakis. The midfield pivot consisted of Peres and Atanasov, while Pasa led the attack as the lone striker, supported by Toupta behind him and wingers Sagal and Mourgo on the flanks.
AEK, managed by Marko Nikolic, fielded a familiar lineup with Strakosha in goal. The back four included Pilios, Relvas, Mukundi, and Rota. Marin and Pineda controlled the midfield, while Koutesa and Eliason operated on the wings. Up front, Koita played just behind Jovic, spearheading the attack.
Early Exchanges and Key Moments
The match began at a brisk pace, with both sides creating early chances. AEK threatened in the 2nd minute when Jovic set up Koita inside the box, but Melissas made a crucial save. AEL Novibet responded immediately; after a defensive error by Mukundi, Pasa found Mourgo in a promising position, but his shot went wide. AEK’s Koutesa also tested the keeper with a deflected shot in the 7th minute, resulting in a corner.
As the game progressed, the tempo slowed with frequent fouls disrupting flow. AEK maintained possession but struggled to link up effectively in attack, while AEL Novibet looked dangerous on the counter. Atanasov’s long-range effort in the 19th minute narrowly missed, and Pineda’s shot in the 26th minute was blocked by Tsakla. After the 30-minute mark, AEL Novibet grew more assertive, forcing Strakosha into a fine save from Atanasov’s direct free-kick in the 35th minute. Two minutes later, Pasa’s close-range finish rattled the crossbar, marking the best chance of the first half.
AEK responded with attempts from Relvas and Eliason in quick succession before halftime, but Melissas remained alert to keep the score level.
Second Half: Mantalos Breaks the Deadlock, Tsakla Levels
Early in the second half, Petrakis replaced Mourgo with Gioulis due to a minor injury. AEK pressed forward, with Koita’s shot in the 52nd minute deflecting off a defender and Jovic’s header in the 55th minute narrowly missing the target. Nikolic made a tactical substitution, bringing on Mantalos for Eliason, a move that immediately paid dividends. In the 55th minute, Pilios delivered a precise cross to the far post, where Mantalos expertly volleyed home to give AEK the lead, sparking celebrations among the visiting fans.
Buoyed by the goal, AEK continued to threaten. Mantalos nearly doubled the advantage with a well-placed shot from outside the box in the 63rd minute. AEL Novibet’s Garate, introduced shortly before, headed over the bar in response. AEK thought they had extended their lead twice-first through Marin’s free-kick and then Mantalos’s close-range finish-but both goals were disallowed by VAR for handball infractions.
AEL Novibet’s Resilience and Late Drama
Despite AEK’s dominance, AEL Novibet showed great determination. In the 74th minute, Strakosha made a spectacular save to deny Ouarda’s close-range header. However, just a minute later, from Atanasov’s corner, Tsakla rose highest to head in the equalizer, much to the delight of the home crowd.
In response, Nikolic introduced Pieros and Joao Mario for Marin and Koutesa, followed by Penrais and Kaloskamis replacing Pilios and Koita. AEK pushed hard for a winner, with Jovic missing a golden opportunity in the 85th minute when his close-range effort sailed over the crossbar. Kaloskamis also had a chance but shot just over the bar. Despite sustained pressure, AEK could not find the decisive goal, and the match ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
Player Highlights and Tactical Analysis
Man of the Match: Petros Mantalos injected energy into AEK’s attack upon his introduction, scoring the opening goal and creating several chances.
Standout Performer: Atanasov was a constant threat for AEL Novibet, delivering dangerous set-pieces and playing a key role in the equalizer.
Underwhelming Display: Marin struggled to impose himself in midfield, committing multiple errors in the first half and being substituted shortly after the equalizer.
Critical Error: Mukundi’s early mistake nearly cost AEK, leading to a significant chance for AEL Novibet that was fortunately missed.
Refereeing Decisions: Referee Moschou, assisted by VAR official Fotia, disallowed two AEK goals due to handball violations, impacting the final result.
Summary and Implications for the Season
AEK’s inability to maintain a clean sheet and convert their numerous opportunities resulted in their first dropped points of the campaign. Meanwhile, AEL Novibet’s spirited performance and tactical discipline earned them a deserved point against a strong opponent. This draw highlights the competitive nature of the Stoiximan Superleague this season, where even dominant teams face stern tests.
Lineups
AEL Novibet (Coach Giorgos Petrakis): Melissas; Deligiannidis, Tsakla, Pantelakis, Kovacevic (71′ Kovacevic); Atanasov, Peres; Mourgo (46′ Gioulis), Sagal (82′ Bagalianis), Toupta (71′ Ouarda); Pasa (64′ Garate)
AEK (Coach Marko Nikolic): Strakosha; Pilios (84′ Penrais), Relvas, Mukundi, Rota; Marin (77′ Pieros), Pineda; Koutesa (77′ Joao Mario), Eliason (54′ Mantalos); Koita (84′ Kaloskamis), Jovic
Watch the Highlights