PAOK and Olympiacos Piraeus played out a 0-0 draw in the First Division's regular season opener on Monday at the Stalios Kiriakidis stadium. The result leaves both sides with a single point after two rounds, though the context differs considerably for each. To be fair, neither side had much to play for in terms of momentum after just one game.
And here's the thing about the 59th minute incident that dominated the second half. N. Moumi Ngamaleu appeared to score for PAOK, only for the VAR to cancel it moments later. The goal stood for barely a few seconds before the decision went against them. By then, the game had shifted on its axis without either side registering it.
PAOK pressed with more intent, registering 73 attacks compared to Olympiacos' 62, but the visitors sat deep and soaked it up for long stretches. The hosts had 12 corners to the visitors' 2, suggesting persistent pressure without penetration. Things came to a head when Olympiacos made their first change at the interval, bringing on A. Lolis at 46 minutes.
The statistics tell a story of frustration rather than dominance. PAOK hit the target six times but managed just one shot on target per attempt, while Olympiacos were worse at 22 per cent accuracy. Both sides combined for eight yellow cards across the match, with M. Tamas, K. Sema and B. Paz among those cautioned. The match had more feel than substance, with attacks ending in throw-ins rather than chances.
PAOK remain sixth with three points from one victory, having beaten Omonia Nicosia 1-0 in their opening fixture. Olympiacos sit eighth after their draw, following a 3-3 draw with Nea Salamina in August. Neither result dramatically alters expectations, but the goalless stalemate suggests a season where margins will be razor-thin.
