Aris grabs lead against Slaven in Greece

Aris have a slim edge ahead of their return leg with NK Slaven Koprivnica, after defeating their Croatian opponents 1-0 in Thessaloniki. A goal from Sergio Koke was enough to give Aris the lead ahead of the rematch in Croatia, but the Greek club will face a tough task as Slaven only trail by one heading to Croatia.

The match opened with several chances for both clubs as the pace of the game was constantly increasing. Despite the surges of attack, the final ball was lacking from both sides. Whether it was the cross or the shot, it was going to take something special to beat either keeper. With finishing being poor, both keepers ensured a clean sheet for their repective clubs at least for the first forty-five minutes.

The breakthrough in the match finally came shortly after the restart. A solitary strike from Sergio Koke, with some help from the Slaven defense, saw the Aris supporters burst out in celebration. It was a complete solo effort from the Spaniard as he won possession with an aerial effort, and with superior ball control he surged towards the goal on a break-away. His strike was deflected into the Slaven goal, off a fortunate deflection off of the sliding Slaven defender. The Aris captain for this evening, certainly delivered on this night.

With Greek pride on a low after Greece’s finest slipped against Cypriot opposition in their respective ties, Aris restored some of that pride with their formidable — but slim — win over Slaven. Aris will now travel to Koprivnica, Croatia in two weeks time with the 2nd Qualifying Round tie set to be decided in Croatia.

Aris FC 1-0 NK Slaven Koprivnica
Koke 55′

Yellow Cards:
Aris — Koke 55′, Nacho 87′
Slaven — Jajalo 9′, Lapić 77′

Aris FC (Enrique Hernandez): Kelemen, Lembo, Aurelio, Jahic, Vangjeli (52′ Włodarczyk), Calvo (52′ Javito), Nacho Garcia, Battion, Gentil (64′ Neto), Koke, Regueiro.

NK Slaven Koprivnica (Mile Petkovic): Rodic, Bosnjak, Rogulj, Poldrugac, Bilen (67′ Gregurina), Lapic, Caval, Posavec, Jajalo, Vrucina (78′ Sehic), Juric (78′ Kresinger).