Crosstown clash between PAOK and Aris in Thessaloniki cup derbyVeria and Panionios will have to replay after humdrum goalless draw
Veria and Panionios played out an uninspiring goalless draw for Greece’s soccer cup yesterday, but the real action comes tonight with the Thessaloniki derby between PAOK and Aris. The 0-0 result after 90 minutes at Veria between the local second-division side and Super League club Panionios means that the two will meet again in a replay at Nea Smyrni, probably on January 28. The only remarkable moment of the opening game in the competition’s fifth round was a deflected shot by Veria’s Amr El Halawani that hit the right post of the Panionios goal a minute before half time. Tonight sees the clash between Panthrakikos and Panathinaikos in Komotini. The two teams also met last Saturday at the same ground and Panathinaikos triumphed 3-1. This time, though, the visitors are set to have many new faces in their lineup compared with the league game. The match kicks off at 6.45 p.m. All of Thessaloniki is anticipating tonight’s classic clash between PAOK and Aris at the Toumba Stadium. With both teams stating that their principal target this season is winning the cup, the match at PAOK’s home ground at 9 p.m. promises to be a fantastic encounter. The match has even greater significance for Aris coach Quique Hernandez, as the recent failures in the league have put the Spanish manager on the spot. A loss tonight may well mean the end of his second spell with the Yellows. Tomorrow the first week of the round ends with Ergotelis hosting Xanthi at Iraklion.
