Mr. MIchel opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation. Balazs Megyeri was under the goalpost. In defense, from right to left, featured Leandro Salino, Kostas Manolas, Ivan Marcano and Jose Cholevas. Midfield-wise, Mr. Michel used two center midfielders, Delvin N’Dinga and Giannis Maniatis, whereas at the wings David Fuster lined up in the left and Joel Campbell in the right. “Chori” Dominguez was placed at the back of our sole forward, Nelson Haedo Valdez!
It didn’t take long for our Legend’s dominance to bear fruits! No later than in 8’, David Fuster took the ball from the left, as a result of our side’s strong pressure to recover possession, and saw “Chori’s” move into the box to launch his cross! Chori delivered a splendid first-time finish and beat Glikos to make it 1-0 under loud celebrations! Our side’s performance was too much to handle for the opponents and just a couple of minutes, in 10’, the second goal was registered! Once again following our side’s pressing and timely ball recovery, Salino showed great skill and laid it in for David Fuster who would enter the penalty box. The Spaniard delivered a cool touch and netted it past Glikos, who was unable to react and dived to the wrong corner!
In its only goal-scoring opportunity in 31’, PAOK was lucky enough to reduce the deficit with a close-range finish by Athanasiadis.
The visiting side ended the match with 10 players after Miroslav Stoch was ejected in 35’; the 2-1 score remained unchanged until the end, giving our side the upper hand for the Toumba return match on Good Wednesday and the qualification for the Cup’s final.
OLYMPIACOS: Megyeri, Salino, Manolas, Marcano, Cholevas, N’Dinga (46’ Samaris), Maniatis (67’ Perez), Campbell, Fuster (78’ Saviola), Dominguez,
Valdez.
