Aris recorded a positive result in its first pre-season friendly in Poland, defeating Legia Warsaw 2-0 thanks to two penalties converted in each half. Head coach Artem Radkov was encouraged by many aspects of his team's performance, particularly during the first half, while the overall display was satisfactory considering the stage of pre-season and the squad's current level of preparation.
Aris controlled the tempo throughout the opening half, moving the ball well and creating several promising opportunities around the edge of the penalty area. The breakthrough came in the 41st minute when Chambos converted a penalty after Paje was brought down inside the box. Defensively, the team was equally solid, preventing Legia from creating any real danger in front of Zadro's goal.
Aris started the match with Zadro in goal, Yago at right-back and Correia on the left. Matysik and Lelle formed the central defensive partnership, with Sarfo operating as the holding midfielder behind Charalambous and Paje. Gaustad started on the right wing, El Allachi on the left, while Effaghe led the attack.
At the start of the second half, Radkov made nine substitutions, retaining only Zadro and Lelle from the starting eleven. He also switched to a three-man defence featuring A. Demetriou, Lelle and Loukoubar, with Neokleous and Ovsyannikov operating as wing-backs. Akamba, Galyata and Nikolić lined up in midfield, while Theodosiou and Pourikkos led the attack.
The numerous changes understandably affected the team's rhythm and cohesion, allowing the Polish side to gain more possession and create a few chances. However, Aris remained dangerous on the counterattack and created several promising situations. Deep into stoppage time, Ovsyannikov won a penalty, which Nikolić converted to seal the 2-0 victory.
Further changes saw Pishias replace Zadro in the 78th minute, while Hadjiyiannis came on for the injured Theodosiou two minutes later. In the 85th minute, Trimintis and Kassianidis replaced Akamba and Pourikkos respectively.
The players were given Sunday off for rest and recovery before resuming preparations.
