A strong final test, with plenty of positives and a comfortable 4–0 victory, was the outcome for our team in their final friendly match of the pre-season against FC Liefering.
Our opponents were a young, athletic side who also employed a high-pressing approach. This gave our head coach an excellent opportunity to assess how the team would respond under such conditions, and the overall impression was particularly positive. Aris was rarely threatened throughout the match, while at the same time proving extremely dangerous in transition.
Our team created chances in the 6th, 8th, 18th, and 19th minutes. In the 19th minute, following a long ball from Correia, Galyata delivered into the six-yard box, with Effaghe finishing to open the scoring.
Just three minutes later, Galyata picked out El Allachi with an excellent pass. El Allachi then delivered from the flank for Effaghe, who doubled our lead.
In the 32nd minute, Galyata struck a low shot from the edge of the box that hit the post before finding the back of the net, extending the score to 3–0.
In the final minute of the first half, Werton was brought down inside the penalty area. Effaghe converted from the penalty spot to make it 4–0 at half-time completing his hat-trick.
Although Aris did not manage to add to their tally in the second half, the overall picture remained unchanged. The team continued to create opportunities, with several chances going unconverted, including efforts by Werton in the 60th and 78th minutes, Effaghe's shot against the post in the 63rd minute, and a clear opportunity for Kassianidis in the 87th minute.
Aris: Zadro (83' G. Demetriou), Yago, Matysik (73' Kalulu), Lelle (45' Badelj), Correia, Galyata, Charalambous (86' Hadzigiannis), Nikolic (64' Akamba), Werton (86' Kassianidis), Effaghe (86' Pourikkos) and El Allachi (46' Sané – 47' César).
The Aris delegation is expected to return to Cyprus tomorrow, shortly before midday.
