PAOK Saloniki U19 Edge Aris Thessaloniki U19 in Friendly Derby

In an international club friendly on May 15, 2026, PAOK Saloniki U19 narrowly defeated their city rivals Aris Thessaloniki U19 1–0. The match provided valuable minutes for young talents from both academies ahead of the new season.

Match Overview

The game was played at a brisk pace, with both teams looking to impress. PAOK dominated the early stages, creating several chances through their creative midfield trio. The decisive moment came in the 34th minute when PAOK forward Dimitris Papadopoulos latched onto a through ball and slotted past the advancing Aris goalkeeper.

Tactical Battle

Aris Thessaloniki U19 responded well after the goal, adjusting their formation to press higher. They created a handful of opportunities in the second half, but PAOK’s defense, marshaled by captain Nikos Karakostas, remained organized and resolute. The match ended with PAOK holding on for a hard-fought win.

Key Players

• Dimitris Papadopoulos (PAOK): Scored the only goal and showed sharp movement throughout.
• Nikos Karakostas (PAOK): Led the backline with composure and made several crucial clearances.
• Aris goalkeeper: Kept his side in the game with a string of saves.

Friendly Context

The friendly allowed both academy sides to test their systems and integrate younger players. PAOK will take confidence from the victory, while Aris will look to build on their second-half improvement in future friendlies.