PAS Giannina secured their place in the next round of the Greek Amateur Cup with a professional 2-0 victory over Aris Filiaton at Zosimades Stadium on September 10, 2026. The home side controlled the tie from the early exchanges, scored at key moments, and managed the game smartly to avoid any late drama.

Aris Filiaton arrived with a clear plan to defend deep and frustrate their opponents, and for the opening half hour they succeeded in limiting clear chances. But PAS Giannina's patience paid off, and once the first goal arrived, the contest settled into a pattern that suited the more experienced home team.

PAS Giannina break down a stubborn Aris Filiaton

The match began with PAS Giannina enjoying most of the possession, probing down both flanks and looking to stretch Aris Filiaton's defensive block. Aris sat in a compact 5-4-1 shape when out of possession, with the wing-backs dropping deep and the midfield line protecting the central corridor. For long spells, the visitors succeeded in keeping the game in front of them.

However, PAS Giannina's persistence and patient build-up eventually created the breakthrough. Their midfielders rotated constantly, pulling Aris Filiaton out of position, and the full-backs pushed high to create numerical advantages in wide areas. The opening goal came from exactly that kind of pressure.

Key moments

• 31st minute: PAS Giannina took the lead when Dimitris Kotsis rose highest to head home a corner from the right.
• 45+2nd minute: Aris Filiaton's best chance of the first half ended with a low shot saved comfortably by the PAS goalkeeper.
• 52nd minute: A quick PAS counter almost doubled the lead, but the final effort clipped the outside of the post.
• 78th minute: Kostas Theodorou sealed the win with a composed finish after being played through on goal.
• 90th minute: PAS Giannina managed the closing stages calmly, keeping possession and limiting Aris Filiaton to hopeful crosses.

The second goal arrived at an ideal time for the hosts. Aris Filiaton had begun to commit more players forward in search of an equaliser, and PAS Giannina punished the space behind their defensive line with a direct, well-executed move.

Tactical breakdown

PAS Giannina set up in a 4-2-3-1 that gave them control in midfield and allowed their attacking midfielders to drift into dangerous pockets. Their build-up was patient rather than rushed, and they consistently looked to switch play from one side to the other. The double pivot protected the back four and made it difficult for Aris Filiaton to launch counterattacks through the middle.

Aris Filiaton's defensive approach was organised, but their lack of possession meant they spent long periods chasing the ball. When they did win it back, their forwards were often isolated, and the transition to attack was too slow to trouble PAS Giannina's settled defence. The visitors' best moments came from set-pieces and long throws, but they could not find a way through.

Standout performers

Dimitris Kotsis was a constant threat in both boxes, and his first-half header broke the deadlock. Kostas Theodorou impressed with his movement and composure, capping his performance with the second goal. In midfield, Nikos Vlachos dictated the tempo and repeatedly won back possession, while the PAS defence stayed focused to record a clean sheet.

For Aris Filiaton, the goalkeeper produced several saves to keep the scoreline respectable, and their central defenders dealt with a number of crosses under heavy pressure. It was a brave defensive effort, but the gap in quality in the final third ultimately proved decisive.

What the win means

The victory sends PAS Giannina into the next round of the Greek Amateur Cup with momentum and confidence. Cup football is often about surviving difficult ties and taking chances when they come, and PAS Giannina did both. A clean sheet will also please the coaching staff, especially against an opponent that defended with numbers and looked to frustrate.

For Aris Filiaton, the result ends their cup run, but the performance offered positives. They defended with discipline for long spells and limited a stronger side to two goals, which is a platform to build on in their league campaign.

Match facts

• Competition: Greek Amateur Cup
• Result: PAS Giannina 2-0 Aris Filiaton
• Date: September 10, 2026
• PAS Giannina scorers: Dimitris Kotsis (31'), Kostas Theodorou (78')
• Clean sheet: PAS Giannina

PAS Giannina's 2-0 win was built on patience, control and timely goals. The home side mana