PAOK B secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Makidonic at the Euparki Stadium, boosting their safety cushion to +6 points in the Super League 2 table. The win marks their second consecutive triumph under coach Dany Ponz and solidifies their position in the league’s top half, moving them further away from the relegation zone.
Match Progression
Early Lead from a Goalkeeping Error
In the 11th minute, Makidonic goalkeeper Giannis Syrithidis mishandled a back‑handed pass, sending the ball out of the goal. PAOK B capitalized instantly; Mihalis Polykratis was in the right spot and finished confidently to give PAOK B a 1‑0 advantage.
Second Goal Extends the Lead
The dominance continued in the 31st minute when Alexandros Abraam broke through the Makidonic defense and unleashed an unexpected long‑range shot from outside the penalty area, pushing the score to 2‑0.
Third Goal Seals the Victory
At the 55th minute, coach Dany Ponz introduced Stefan Karagiannis, strengthening the midfield. A swift counter‑attack saw Karagiannis deliver a precise pass to Giannis Tsatsourakis, who cut in from the right and finished to make it 3‑0.
Makidonic’s Consolation Goal
Makidonic responded in the 71st minute. Substitute James Bent found space in PAOK B’s central area and headed the ball home, reducing the margin to 3‑1. The two‑goal cushion, however, was enough to secure the win.
What the 3-1 Win Means for PAOK B
- Points Gap: The victory lifts PAOK B’s lead over the relegation zone to +6 points, providing greater security for a place in the Super League 2’s top group.
- Momentum: A second straight win under Ponz builds confidence and showcases the squad’s depth, especially for young players aiming for first‑team opportunities.
- Strategic Impact: The win demonstrates effective tactical adjustments, particularly the impact of mid‑game substitutions.
Historical Context in Super League 2
Since rejoining Super League 2, PAOK B has become known for defensive solidity combined with attacking flexibility, often scoring and defending well in crucial moments. In contrast, Makidonic has struggled to maintain a safe league position since its 2022 restructuring, plagued by defensive lapses and inconsistent performances.
Upcoming Fixtures and Prospects
- PAOK B vs. Atromitos: The next match pits PAOK B against a top‑of‑the‑table side. Maintaining defensive discipline will be key to pulling off a potential upset.
- Makidonic vs. PAOK A: Makidonic faces a daunting challenge against PAOK’s first team. Improving central defensive organization will be vital for their survival hopes.
Conclusion
The 3‑1 triumph not only adds three points to PAOK B’s tally but also reinforces their trajectory toward a stable Super League 2 season. While PAOK B looks to build on this momentum, Makidonic must address defensive weaknesses quickly to avoid slipping further into the relegation battle. The league continues to deliver compelling narratives of emerging talent and fierce competition.
