Volos NPS 1-2 AEK Athens — AEK Athens came from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-1 away victory over Volos NPS in the Greek Super League on Sunday, 20 September 2026.

AEK's patience pays off

Volos NPS started with energy and intent, pressing AEK Athens high and looking to disrupt the visitors' rhythm. That approach paid off early when Volos took the lead, finishing a quick attacking move that caught AEK's back line momentarily out of shape. The home crowd responded, and for a spell AEK looked uncomfortable against Volos's compact defensive structure and direct counterattacks.

AEK gradually wrestled control of the midfield. Their passing became sharper, their wide players began to isolate Volos's full-backs, and an equaliser arrived before the interval. It was a goal that reflected AEK's growing authority: patient build-up, a clever run between the lines, and a finish that gave the Volos goalkeeper little chance.

The second half followed a familiar pattern. AEK dominated possession, while Volos sat deeper and relied on breaks. The winning goal came in the second half, with AEK's substitute making an immediate impact by finding space inside the box and converting a low cross. Volos pushed for a late equaliser, but AEK's game management and defensive discipline held firm.

Key moments

• Volos opener: A fast, direct attack gave the home side a surprise lead and lifted the atmosphere.
• AEK equaliser: A patient passing sequence ended with a composed finish before half-time.
• Winning goal: AEK's substitute arrived at the perfect moment to convert from close range.
• Late Volos pressure: A series of crosses and set pieces tested AEK's defence, but the visitors cleared their lines.

Tactical story

AEK Athens controlled the ball for long stretches, using a double pivot to shield the back four and allowing their full-backs to push high. Volos defended in a narrow 5-3-2 shape, conceding possession but looking dangerous whenever they won the ball in wide areas. The key difference was AEK's ability to turn possession into high-quality chances after the break.

Volos's midfield worked tirelessly, but the physical toll of chasing the ball told in the final 20 minutes. AEK's bench changed the game, adding fresh legs and more penetration. The visitors also managed the clock well, slowing the tempo when needed and forcing Volos to chase shadows.

Standout performers

AEK's attacking midfielder was central to the comeback, linking play and finding pockets of space. The substitute who scored the winner showed excellent anticipation, while AEK's centre-backs stood tall under late pressure. For Volos, the goalkeeper made several important saves, and the goalscorer led the line with aggression and intelligence.

Greek Super League impact

This win keeps AEK Athens in the leading pack of the Greek Super League, maintaining their pursuit of the title and reinforcing their reputation as one of the league's most resilient away teams. Volos NPS remain in a battle for consistency, with their home form likely to decide whether they can climb away from the lower reaches of the table.

AEK's next fixtures will test their squad depth, but this comeback win provides valuable momentum. Volos, meanwhile, can take encouragement from pushing a heavyweight so close, though they will need to convert more of their counterattacking chances into points if they are to move up the standings.