Aris delivered another promising performance in their second pre-season friendly in Poland, recording a 5-1 win over Hapoel Ra'anana.
Following the encouraging signs shown in the opening friendly, the team once again displayed good ball circulation, composed build-up play, pressing, and a strong collective approach despite the demanding workload of pre-season and yesterday's double training session.
Another positive takeaway was the spread of the goals, with four different players getting on the scoresheet. Paje struck twice, while Charalambous, Effaghe and Galyata each added a goal, providing an important confidence boost—particularly for the younger members of the squad. The intensity, commitment, and work ethic shown by every player throughout the match were equally pleasing.
The Israeli side made the brighter start and took the lead from the penalty spot in the seventh minute. Aris responded well, creating several opportunities before Paje equalised in the 19th minute. Just a minute later, Charalambous completed the turnaround to make it 2-1.
Paje doubled both his tally and Aris' advantage in the 35th minute, before Effaghe—who had already registered assists for the opening two goals—added a fourth five minutes later to give Aris a comfortable 4-1 lead at half-time.
Aris started the match with Vaná Alves in goal, behind a defensive line of four with Yago, Matysik, Lelle and Correia. Sarfo operated as the holding midfielder, with Charalambous and Paje playing ahead of him. Gaustad and El Allachi occupied the wide attacking positions, while Effaghe led the line.
Head coach Artem Radkov made 11 changes at the interval, handing valuable minutes to the rest of the squad. Zadro came on in goal, with Kassianidis, A. Demetriou, Loukoumbar and Hadjigiannis forming the back four. Akamba anchored the midfield, supported by Galyata and Nikolić, while Neokleous, Trimintis and Pourikkos made up the attacking trio. Young G. Demetriou replaced Zadro for the final ten minutes.
The second half was more open, with Hapoel Ra'anana hitting the woodwork in the 67th minute. Aris, however, maintained control and completed the scoring in the 79th minute, when Galyata found the net to seal the 5-1 win.
The squad will continue its preparations in Poland on Wednesday, with a recovery session in the gym and pool.
