Asteras’ European Dream Is Alive And Well!!

Asteras’ European Dream Is Alive And Well!!

By Alex Koutakos 

In my previous article, I stated that Asteras’s European dream would be in potential dissolution if the Arcadians got less than 3 points against AEK and PAOK. However, the exact opposite happened. Subsequently,the Arcadians went on to tie 2-2 against AEK and then went on to beat PAOK 2-1! In this article, I will be writing a short summary of those matches, about why those matches went so well for the Arcadians and why I believe that the Arcadians will finish in a European spot against all odds!

The Match Against AEK ATHENS(2-2) On February 20th

This match was certainly a match of two halves. Moreover, Asteras dominated the first half and AEK dominated the second half. 

The Arcadians opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a goal by Luis Fernandez which was assisted by Juan Munafo. After that, Deni Suarez scored a header from a beautifully delivered corner kick by Luis Fernandez, in the 18th minute. In the late first half AEK responded, Szymanski scored a goal in the 40th minute. Szymanski then doubled his tally with a goal in the 68th minute. In the last 20 minutes of the match, both teams traded chances. 

AEK even missed a golden opportunity in extra time! In my opinion, they really should have barried that chance and therefore should have gotten the 3 points. For the Arcadians it was quite a disappointing result, considering the fact that they were up 2-0 in Athens. However, at the end of the day, a draw against AEK is a positive. 

This game showed that Asteras has the potential and the ability to play and compete against top teams. The only thing that bothered me in this game was Asteras’s complacency. Moreover, in terms of being okay with not putting the game to bed! Fernandez and Tilica both missed massive opportunities in the first half! If Asteras made it 3-0, the game would have been done and dusted!

The Match Against PAOK(2-1) On February 27th

This match was certainly another match where we saw a tactical masterpiece imposed by Rastavac. 

As usual, Rastavac deployed his troops in the 4-2-3-1 formation and the rest was history! In the 37th minute, Asteras opened the scoring with a sublime volley by Sito from a cross by Regis. In the 54th minute, Luis Fernandez doubled the lead for the Arcadians. 

After that, Andrija Zivkovic got a consolation goal for PAOK in the 84th minute. The Arcadians executed their game plan flawlessly and with total cohesion amongst players and coaching staff alike. For the Arcadians those 3 points are huge and it also means that Asteras is now unbeaten in their last 9 games in the #SLGR(with 7 wins and 2 draws).

Why I Think That Those Matches Went So Well For Asteras

I think that Asteras performed extremely well in those matches for a plethora of reasons. Firstly, because of the 4-2-3-1 system imposed by coach Rastavac. 

This system allowed Asteras to sit back and counter formidably! This tactical masterpiece gave Manolo Jimenez and Pablo Garcia a huge tactical headache. They were both forced to change their game plans due to the immensely effective tactics imposed by Milan Rastavac. 

If it were not for Rastavac, Asteras would be in a completely different situation at the moment! Secondly, because Asteras played as a team and everyone was on the same page. PAOK and AEK’s players were certainly not! Moreover, AEK and PAOK both played very sloppily against Asteras. On the contrary, Asteras played as a unit and took advantage of their chances. 

Thirdly, because Asteras was clinical with their chances over the course of these two games. Furthermore, Asteras scored 4 goals out of 8 shots on target. On the other hand, AEK and PAOK tallied 3 goals out of a total 12 shots on target. Therefore, a 50 % goal rate when a shot was on target for Asteras and a 33% goal rate for both AEK and PAOK combined during these 2 crucial fixtures.

Why I Think That Asteras Will Finish In A European Spot

I also think that Asteras will finish in a European spot for a variety of reasons. Firstly, because Asteras is the most in-form team in the #SLGR. If this form continues, there will be significant dividends for the organization based in Tripoli. 

On a side note,many other teams in contention for Europe are in a slump. These include: PAOK and Panathinaikos among others. Secondly, because Asteras has "house money" and has nothing to lose. On the contrary, Panathinaikos, PAOK, AEK and ARIS will all be heavily scrutinized by the media if they do not finish in a European position in the #SLGR. 

This will in-turn cause many of the players on these aforementioned teams to crumble under the pressure.  We are already seeing signs of this! Just look at PAOK'S, PAO'S and AEK'S recent form. 

Secondly, because Asteras has superior coaching than the other teams in contention. Just look at the last 2 games against AEK and PAOK! Rastavac clearly outmaneuvered Manolo Jimenez and Pablo Garcia to the bone! Some PAOK fans even wanted Garcia to be sacked immediately after the final whistle was blown! 

Conclusion 

Hopefully, Asteras’s form continues and the Arcadians will be able to qualify for Europe for the first time since the 2017-18 season when Asteras finished 5th in the #SLGR! As we saw in the games against AEK and PAOK, Asteras clearly delivered with 4 points out of a possible 6 and therefore, increased the possibility of making it into Europe!

ΠΑΜΕ ΕΥΡΩΠΗ!!!!!

Hellas Football

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