PAOK Saloniki produced a convincing Greek Cup performance to beat AEK Athens 3-1 at Toumba Stadium, turning a tense derby into a statement win. The home side scored three times and controlled long spells of the contest, while AEK’s equalising spell before half-time ultimately proved no more than a temporary interruption.

Match overview

Greek Cup nights between PAOK Saloniki and AEK Athens rarely lack intensity, and this tie followed the familiar pattern: a packed, noisy stadium, fierce midfield duels and very little time on the ball. PAOK set the tone early by pressing high and forcing AEK into rushed clearances, and that pressure soon produced the opening goal.

AEK responded well after falling behind. The visitors found more space in wide areas and equalised before the interval, briefly silencing the home crowd and reminding PAOK that the tie was far from settled. But PAOK restored their advantage early in the second half and added a third goal late on to close out a 3-1 victory.

Key moments

• Early breakthrough: PAOK’s aggressive pressing forced a turnover in AEK’s half, and the home side converted the resulting chance to take the lead.
• AEK’s response: The visitors grew into the game and levelled before half-time, capitalising on a spell of possession and a defensive lapse.
• Second-half reset: PAOK came out with renewed urgency after the break and retook the lead through a quick, well-worked attacking move.
• Late seal: With AEK pushing forward in search of an equaliser, PAOK found space on the counter and scored a third goal to put the result beyond doubt.

Tactical story

PAOK’s game plan was built on intensity without the ball. The home side pressed in coordinated waves, cutting off AEK’s short build-up and forcing long passes that were easier to defend. When PAOK won possession, they moved the ball quickly into the channels and looked to attack before AEK’s back line could reset.

AEK’s best moments came when they bypassed the first press and got their wide players into one-on-one situations. Their equaliser was a reward for a more patient spell, but they struggled to sustain that control after the interval. PAOK’s midfield adjusted, protected the central areas better and ensured the visitors’ possession rarely turned into clear chances.

Standout performers

PAOK’s midfield anchor was central to the win, breaking up play and setting the tempo for the home side’s attacks. The full-backs also deserves credit for their energy, repeatedly turning defence into attack and stretching AEK’s defensive shape. In goal, PAOK’s goalkeeper made important saves at 1-0 and 2-1 to protect the lead.

For AEK, the goalkeeper kept the scoreline respectable with a series of stops, while the wide attackers carried the visitors’ biggest threat during their best spell before half-time. Ultimately, though, AEK could not match PAOK’s ruthlessness in the final third.

What the result means

The 3-1 win sends PAOK Saloniki into the next round of the Greek Cup and gives the squad a significant confidence boost from a high-pressure derby. For AEK Athens, the defeat ends their cup run and leaves them to focus on domestic league matters. The scoreline flattered neither side’s effort, but it accurately reflected PAOK’s superior cutting edge across the 90 minutes.