AEK Athens claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Volos NFC at the Panthessaliko Stadium in the Super League 1's fifth round. The match saw Luka Jovic emerge as the hero, securing a late winner in the 88th minute after a contentious game filled with cards and a disallowed goal.
First Half: A Battle of Wits and Cards
The opening half was a tense affair, with neither side managing to break the deadlock. Early yellow cards were shown to Petros Mantalos and Milan Vitális of AEK, setting the tone for a physical contest. Volos thought they had taken the lead when Gustavo Furtado found the net, but the celebration was cut short by a VAR intervention, ruling the goal out for offside.
Second Half: Jovic's Brilliance Decides the Match
AEK Athens gained the upper hand in the second half, with Luka Jovic converting a penalty in the 61st minute to put them ahead. Volos fought back and leveled the score through Giorgos Charalampoglou in the 85th minute, igniting hopes of a comeback. However, Jovic dashed those hopes with a well-timed strike just three minutes later, ensuring AEK left with all three points.
A Match Defined by Discipline and Drama
The match concluded amid chaotic scenes, with Volos' Giorgos Migas receiving a red card for violent conduct in stoppage time, followed shortly by Hamza Mendyl's dismissal. Despite Volos' attempts, AEK's superior possession and accuracy saw them through, with 60% possession and 360 accurate passes against Volos' 205.
Looking Ahead
Volos will aim to bounce back after this narrow defeat, having shown resilience in their previous matches. AEK Athens, meanwhile, will look to build on this momentum, with Luka Jovic's standout performance offering a glimpse of his potential impact this season.
