Luka Jovic scores twice as AEK beat Volos 2-1 to secure first away league victory

Early pressure from Volos

Volos started aggressively at the Panthessaliko Stadium and created a double chance inside the opening sixty seconds. An incisive through ball from Gonzalez found Komba, whose shot rebounded off the right post before AEK goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli denied Furtado on the rebound. In the seventh minute, Komba beat Mijat Gacinovic and fired from long range, forcing Brignoli into a diving save at his right post. AEK struggled to construct possession during the first twenty-five minutes against an organized defensive block. Aboubakary Koita missed wide from a Stavros Pelios cross in the 13th minute, and Petros Mantalos saw a 27th-minute effort saved by Yuri Lodygin. Mantalos missed two further opportunities in the 32nd and 34th minutes after cutbacks from Koita. Volos thought they had taken the lead in the 44th minute when Furtado turned in a rebound from Gonzalez, but the video assistant referee ruled the goal out for offside.

Jovic breaks the deadlock

AEK opened the second half with higher tempo and created an immediate chance in the 48th minute when Mantalos struck wide on the volley. The breakthrough arrived in the 60th minute when Luka Jovic was brought down inside the penalty box. Referee Polychronis awarded the spot kick following consultation with video assistant referee Tzilos. Jovic took the penalty himself, beating Lodygin with a composed finish to give AEK a 1-0 lead. The goal shifted momentum, though Volos continued to press on counter-attacks through Burnic and Djoka.

Late drama and red cards

Volos found an equalizer in the 85th minute when substitute Charalampoglou scored to make it 1-1 with five minutes remaining in regular time. AEK responded within three minutes to reclaim the lead. In the 88th minute, Jovic connected with an aerial delivery to send a header past Lodygin, recording his second goal of the evening. The closing stages turned confrontational as the home side finished the contest with nine players. Mygas received a direct red card in the 94th minute for a physical altercation with Pelios. Two minutes later, Mendyl was also shown a red card in the 96th minute after an additional disciplinary incident.

Standings and tactical adjustments

The victory lifted AEK to 11 points and second place in the Stoiximan Super League standings ahead of the upcoming league break. The result marked the first away victory of the domestic campaign for the Athens club, following earlier road draws against Kifisia and Asteras AKTOR. Manager Nikolic adjusted his starting lineup due to an injury to regular right-back Lazaros Rota, deploying midfielder Gacinovic in the defensive back four alongside Harold Moukoudi, Francisco Relvas, and Pelios. Marin and Vitalis operated in central midfield, with Majer and Koita supporting Mantalos and Jovic. Volos remained on two points after five rounds of matches.