Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Monday, 20 April 2026, 07:38 / Updated on Monday, 20 April 2026 07:39
PAOK, the team prepared by Răzvan Lucescu, lost, 0-3, the duel in the play-off with the leader AEK Atena, in which Răzvan Marin was an integral player.
Răzvan Lucescu's black and white lost in Athens a great chance to get closer to the leader AEK in the standings. Following the setback they were 3rd in the standings and the distance has now increased to 8 points!
Răzvan Lucescu: “All our problems have surfaced”
The Romanian technician's explanation for the drastic failure? “It's simple. AEK have reached this point in their best form, while we haven't. They won duels, got the second ball and were confident after the last results they had. The problems for us started two months ago, after we qualified for the Cup final.
Given the way the team is made up and how they play, it's not easy to lose six key players. I have had many problems that are constantly present. The rest of the players in the squad should have lived up to the requirements.
There were cases where the players did not return to the previous rhythm. In any case, it's normal that when you face a team in the best shape, all these problems come to the surface”, pointed out Răzvan Lucescu.
Răzvan Lucescu: “The Cup final can give us a boost”
The coach is not clear when the injured will return, “I really don't know what to tell you at the moment”, but he hopes that the Cup final will give the team a new impetus: “It can give us a boost, it is a trophy and can give guys excitement and power but also more energy for the matches to come”.
PAOK meets OFI Crete in the Cup final on Saturday, April 25.
Ranking in the play-off in Greece
Ranking
