Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Sunday, 08 February 2026 21:55 / Updated on Sunday, 08 February 2026 21:55
PAOK Thessaloniki, the team coached by Răzvan Lucescu (56 years old), drew 0-0 on the field of Aris, the traditional rival, in the 20th stage of the Greek championship. It is the first wrong step made by the Romanian team in 2026, in the championship.
The last time had happened on December 14, when PAOK had lost on the field of Atromitos, score 0-2.
Răzvan Lucescu and PAOK, white draw on the field of rivals from Aris
Aris defended throughout the game and preferred to try to score on the counterattack.
PAOK controlled the game, pressed and created chances, but lacked precision in finishing. Thus, PAOK failed to find the way to goal for the first time after ten official games.
In the first half, the visitors were the more dangerous team. As early as the 3rd minute, Pelkas shot from inside the box, but Athanasiadis dived in time and the ball hit the side net. PAOK missed the opener again in the 19th minute when Zivkovic fired wide from the spot.
The second half started with an opportunity for Aris. In the 47th minute, Racic shot from distance, but Pavlenka dived and saved. A few minutes later, in the 53rd minute, Pelkas attempted a surprising shot that went over the goal.
PAOK pressed at the end, but could not find the way to the goal.
It ended 0-0, and Răzvan Lucescu's team is in 3rd place in Greece, with 45 points, 3 behind the leader AEK. Next is the duel at home with Panathinaikos, the return from the semi-finals of the Cup.
Răzvan Lucescu's statements, after Aris – PAOK 0-0: “I am also disappointed”
“I can say that we played a good game, but on the other hand, I'm also disappointed because we had enough chances to score and come away with the victory. I can't fault my players for effort or desire, it's just a shame we didn't win.
Aris had only one chance, at the end, and if he had scored, it would have been a great injustice for us. We had difficult matches all week and we came to play against Aris, who had several days to prepare. But, I repeat, I have nothing to blame my players, we simply missed the goal.
We as a team have a certain scope, we dominated the game and it showed on the pitch. We had great opportunities through Zafeiris, through Zivkovic, through Pelkas and through Despodov. They were all very big occasions“, explained Lucescu, according to metrosport.gr.
The up-to-date standings from the Greek championship
