Panathinaikos showed heart, strategy, and efficiency, fully deserving a precious victory over PAOK in the 10th round of the Super League. Rafa Benítez’ Greens triumphed 2–1 over the “Double-Headed Eagle of the North” at a fiery Leoforos, making a strong statement for what’s to come.

From the first minute to the last second, they showed how much they wanted the three points — dominating the first half with commanding football, and in the second half displaying spirit and self-sacrifice. Following the important win in Malmö, another three points came in the derby, reducing the gap from the top and allowing the Greens to look to the future with greater optimism.

The match began with an unexpected moment. In the 13th minute, Siopis cleared the ball powerfully from the halfway circle, almost scoring an incredible goal as the ball narrowly missed PAOK’s post! Panathinaikos continued to press and were rewarded in the 20th minute with a superbly executed move. Chirivella played a perfect pass to Kyriakopoulos on the left, who crossed low and hard for the onrushing Pantovic to send the ball into the net — 1–0, his first league goal!

The Shamrock nearly doubled their lead in the 27th minute with a fine long-range effort by Tete. Tsiftsis saved brilliantly with his fingertips, the ball hit the inside of the post, rolled along the goal line, and was cleared.

The 2–0 didn’t take long to arrive. In the 31st minute, Tete entered the box dragging two defenders, and at the right moment laid it off for Jedvaj, who unleashed a stunning diagonal shot from outside the area. The ball slightly deflected off Meité and ended up in the net.

The first half could have ended with a third goal, as in the 42nd minute Djuricic made a dangerous low cross into the box, but Kenny cleared just in time ahead of Pantovic and Zaroury.

In the 56th minute, Panathinaikos threatened again with a diagonal volley from Jedvaj inside the box, but the shot went wide. Against the run of play — and despite PAOK having more possession without creating chances — Konstantelias reduced the score to 2–1 with an individual effort and a well-placed shot.

What followed was a period full of intensity, duels, and passion. The Greens managed to keep PAOK away from their penalty area — in fact, the visitors failed to produce another real chance until the final whistle.

The match ended with Rafa Benítez and his players celebrating with the fans, after a victory full of meaning, substance, and spirit.

Panathinaikos: Lafont, Jedvaj, Kyriakopoulos (50’ Mladenovic), Palmer-Brown, Toumba, Chirivella, Siopis (74’ Cerin), Djuricic (85’ Pellistri), Tete (74’ Bakasetas), Zaroury, Pantovic (85’ Mancini).

PAOK: Tsiftsis, Kenny, Baba, Kędziora, Lovren, Ozdoev (58’ Bianco), Meïté, Despodov (58’ Taison), Konstantelias (75’ Ivanusec), Zivkovic, Giakoumakis (68’ Chalov).