Dramatic comeback for PAOK: 2-1 against Iraklis in injury time
Yiannis Michailidis redeemed the "Double-headed Eagle" in the 90'+2', in a derby full of tension, disallowed goals and VAR.
In a game full of suspense and comebacks at Toumba, PAOK defeated Iraklis 2-1 in the 7th matchday of the Stoiximan Super League. Alessio Ricci's team fell behind, but managed to achieve a great victory thanks to a goal in injury time.
Cold shower and response with Banza
The first half ended goalless, but the second half started with the worst omens for the hosts. In the 49th minute, Pedro Marques capitalized on Carles Soria's pass and sent the ball into the net for Iraklis' 0-1. In fact, ten minutes later (59'), the same player scored again, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR check. PAOK reacted immediately: in the 62', Simon Banza, coming on as a substitute, equalized to 1-1 after an assist from Andrija Zivkovic.
Thriller finale with Michailidis' redemption
The pressure increased in the final minutes. In the 84', Iraklis saw another goal by Nanu disallowed via VAR. In the 90', the visitors were left with ten players due to Yoann Ross's expulsion with a second yellow card. PAOK immediately took advantage of the numerical superiority and in the 90'+2', Yiannis Michailidis with a header – again from Zivkovic's pass – made it 2-1, giving his team the three points.
In the match statistics, PAOK maintained 61% possession and created 17 attempts on goal compared to Iraklis' 3, confirming their offensive superiority in the second half.