Aris produced a highly competitive performance against Bundesliga side Union Berlin, eventually suffering a narrow 3-2 defeat.
Facing a German side that fielded its first-choice team, Aris once again displayed the characteristics that are increasingly defining its style of play: high pressing and good ball circulation. Against a team that also applied a high press, our side moved the ball effectively, repeatedly played out from the back through well-worked combinations, showed considerable threat in attack and, at the same time, prevented Union Berlin from creating opportunities in open play.
Aris took the lead in the 15th minute following an excellent combination between Charalambous, El Allachi and Nikolic, with the latter finishing the move to put the ball into the net.
Union Berlin, however, looked particularly dangerous from set pieces, with a clear advantage in height. From two successive corners, in the 31st and 37th minutes, the Germans scored twice to turn the game around.
Aris continued to compete strongly after the break. Following two saves by Zadro in the 59th and 60th minutes, Werton threatened in the 61st, while in the 63rd minute Effaghe, following an assist from Charalambous, produced a fine finish to restore parity at 2-2.
In the 79th minute, the referee awarded a penalty following a hold inside the area, with Union Berlin converting from the spot to seal the final 3-2 scoreline.
The unfortunate moment of the match came in the 39th minute, when Vana Alves sustained a shoulder injury. The extent of the injury will be assessed over the coming days.
Following the completion of the 90 minutes, the two teams also played an additional 45-minute period, allowing several young players to gain valuable playing time. During this third period, Zandro made one good save, while Aris created a promising opportunity, although the score remained unchanged.
Aris started the match with: Vana Alves (39’ Zadro), Yago (75’ Sané), Matysik (75’ Martynov), Lelle, Correia (75’ Cesar), Sarfo, Charalambous (87’ Akamba), Nikolic (75’ Badelj), Werton, El Allachi and Effaghe (75’ Galyata).
Aris played the additional 45-minute period with: Zadro, A. Demetriou (40’ Trimintis), Martynov, Badelj, Cesar, Akamba, Galyata, Hadzigiannisi, Sané, Kassianidis and Pourikkos.
