Olympiacos Grind Out Crucial Derby Win Over PAOK to Stay in Super League Title Hunt | OneFootball

Superleague 2024/2025 Olympiacos vs Paok - Giorgos Matthaios/EUROKINISSI

In a season where Olympiacos have so often dominated but failed to capitalise on chances, their 2-1 victory over PAOK on Sunday felt like a defining moment in the Super League title race. It was a match that encapsulated the story of their campaign — missed opportunities, defensive resilience, and a crucial goal that kept their ambitions alive.

Rodinei’s first-half free-kick and Charalambos Kostoulas’ decisive strike proved enough for José Luis Mendilibar’s side, despite a moment of brilliance from PAOK’s Mady Camara. It was not always pretty, but Olympiacos showcased their ability to battle through difficult moments, an essential trait as they prepare for a packed schedule including two crucial clashes with AEK Athens for the Cup and their Europa Conference League tie against Bodø/Glimt.

Olympiacos entered this match knowing that anything less than three points would be a major setback, especially with title rivals AEK Athens securing a comfortable 3-0 victory earlier in the day. PAOK, despite their inconsistencies, are always a dangerous opponent, particularly away from home, where they have boasted the best road record in the league.

The match started in frenetic fashion, with both sides pressing aggressively and looking to exploit defensive gaps. Olympiacos struck first in the 20th minute, as Rodinei’s curling free-kick caught PAOK goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski off guard. It was the Brazilian right-back’s first direct free-kick goal for the club and a rare set-piece success for Olympiacos, who have struggled from dead-ball situations in recent years.

Despite taking the lead, the hosts struggled with their final product once again. This was not a new theme — Olympiacos have created high-quality chances all season but remain frustratingly inefficient in front of goal. PAOK took advantage of their wastefulness and leveled the match through an inspired strike from former Olympiacos midfielder Camara. The Guinean rose highest to meet a well-delivered cross, beating Olympiacos keeper Kostas Tzolakis with a powerful header. A goal against his former club, but out of respect, Camara opted against celebrating.

At 1-1, the nerves inside the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium were palpable. Olympiacos’ struggles against PAOK in recent seasons have been well-documented, and with the title race beginning to take shape, dropping points at home would have been a severe blow.

A Defensive Masterclass and a Teenage Hero

Mendilibar had a major decision to make in the second half, as David Carmo struggled at center-back. The Spanish manager turned to Lorenzo Pirola, and the young Italian delivered a commanding performance, tightening up the backline and nullifying PAOK’s sporadic attacking bursts.

Further up the pitch, Olympiacos pushed for a winner, but their efficiency issues continued to haunt them. Gelson Martins was dynamic, showcasing his elite dribbling ability and creating multiple chances, yet his finishing left much to be desired. On another night, he might have had a goal or two, but this has been a recurring theme in his time at the club.

In the 31st minute, Charalambos Kostoulas, the 17-year-old revelation, showed composure beyond his years. Finding space in the box, the teenager rifled a shot past Kotarski, securing the all-important three points. The celebration from the home crowd was a mixture of elation and relief, as Olympiacos finally managed to make their dominance count.

Kostoulas has been a revelation this season, proving to be an invaluable asset in Mendilibar’s system. His work rate, intelligence, and ability to press have drawn comparisons to former Olympiacos attackers, but his rise feels like something different — a homegrown talent stepping up when his club needs him most.

What this win means for Olympiacos.

The victory keeps Olympiacos firmly in the title race, with AEK Athens emerging as their primary competition. PAOK appear to have fallen behind in the championship chase, and with a thin squad, their title hopes are fading fast.

Mendilibar’s men now face a crucial stretch, with back-to-back games against AEK in both the league and the Greek Cup before their European knockout tie against Bodø/Glimt. The Spanish coach has emphasised defensive stability since his arrival, and it is paying off — Olympiacos now boast the best defensive record in Greece and one of the strongest in the Europa League.

However, the attack remains an area of concern. Ayoub El Kaabi has been the club’s primary goal source this season, but his inconsistency in finishing chances was once again evident. Mendilibar has been reluctant to give Roman Yaremchuk more minutes and the Ukrainian striker remains an enigma — capable of brilliance but starved of playing time.

As the season reaches its most crucial juncture, Olympiacos will need to find a way to improve their finishing. The defence is elite, the midfield is functional, and their pressing is among the best in the league. But in the biggest matches, efficiency in front of goal is often the difference between champions and disappointments.

For now, Olympiacos fans can celebrate a vital derby win, one that keeps them in the driver’s seat for the title. But the challenges ahead are mounting, and if they are to lift the Super League trophy in May, they will need to become as ruthless in front of goal as they have been at the back.