AEK - PAOK
Greece - Greece Cup, Final
Festivities were in full swing both inside and outside the "OPAP Arena" as AEK celebrated their championship title. The final match against Volos was a routine affair, with AEK winning convincingly by a 4-0 margin. They scored two goals in each half, with Zuber (16'), Gacinovic (33'), Pineda (59'), and Simanski (85') finding the back of the net. After a gap of five years, AEK has reclaimed the top spot, and their next objective is the Cup, which they last won in 2016. If they secure the Cup, it will mark their first double since 1978 and only the third in their history. Matias Almeida, in his first season as the team's coach, expressed the historical motivation behind aiming for a second title.
The Cup final against PAOK brings back memories of three consecutive losses (2017-2019), particularly the 2018 final when AEK, as the reigning champion, suffered a 2-0 defeat. This time around, the team seems to be taking the preparation and isolation in a hotel two days before the match more seriously. In the previous rounds, AEK eliminated PAS, Kifissia, Panserraikos, and Olympiakos.
In terms of competition news, apart from captain-forward Araujo, the team doesn't face any other problems. Araujo is with the squad in Volos, and all available players are ready, with the final lineup yet to be decided. It remains uncertain whether Matias Almeida will field a "Cup eleven" or opt for a more mixed lineup. Stankovic is expected to be in goal, while the central defensive positions will be contested by Tzavellas and Mitoglou. Galanopoulos and Mandalos are likely to feature in midfield, with Amrabat on the wings. The exact lineup remains a mystery.
PAOK: In hindsight, it was evident that this would be a "transitional" season for PAOK, but finishing in fourth place (their worst performance in seven years) is still considered a failure. They had an opportunity in the final game of the playoffs against Olympiakos to secure third place, but suffered a 1-0 defeat. Now, their only chance to secure a Europa League spot is by winning the Cup; otherwise, they will compete in the Conference League. Despite being on par with their rivals in several derbies, their lack of efficiency cost them victories, resulting in a winless record against the top three teams in the standings (0-1-5) during the mini-league stage. In recent years, PAOK has been dominant in the Cup, winning it four times (including three victories against AEK) in the last six years. At the press conference, coach Razvan Lucescu expressed optimism, stating that AEK may be considered the favorite on paper, but ultimately, the result will be determined by their performance on the day. PAOK's journey to the final included victories over Kalamata, Panathinaikos, and Lamia.
In terms of competition news, PAOK has not announced their lineup, but coach Lucescu revealed in the press conference that forward Oliveira is not yet ready and will not be available for the final. They have resolved the problems faced by Nasberg (defender) and Kanduri (midfielder), and they are now considered part of the team. However, Narey (winger), who is still recovering from an injury, and the suspended Kargas (defender) are essentially ruled out. Michaelidis (defender), Kurtic (midfielder), and Murg (winger) are also facing injuries or fitness concerns, while the performance of their key player has been steadily declining. The odds currently reflect AEK's favoritism at 2.20, which seems reasonable given the overall performance of both teams throughout the season and their previous encounters.
All eyes are now eagerly awaiting the Cup final clash between AEK and PAOK, with historical significance and bragging rights at stake. It promises to be an intense battle on the pitch as both teams strive to etch their names in Greek football history.