OFI Crete brought the curtain down on 2024 with a resounding 4-0 victory over Volos NFC at the Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium, showcasing impressive form and closing the year on a high note.
The match took place on December 23, during which OFI aimed to secure another win after their recent triumph against Panachaiki of 5-0 midweek. This success was pivotal to creating positive momentum as they head toward the winter break.
The encounter began intensely, and OFI quickly established control, with Taxiarhis Fountas opening the scoring at the 33rd minute. Their lead was soon doubled through some misfortune on Volos’s part, as defender Kalogeropoulos accidentally sent the ball to his own net, making the score 2-0 by the 41st minute.
The visitors faced additional challenges when Volos was left with ten men after the dismissal of player Vigiánies at just 19 minutes, significantly hampering their chances of coming back.
The second half saw OFI's dominance continue; they built on their lead with another goal from Thiago Nours at the 64th minute, pushing the score to 3-0 and effectively sealing the match for the home side. The icing on the cake came from 20-year-old Giannis Theodorou, who netted the final goal of the match at the very last minute, concluding the game at 4-0.
This victory not only helped OFI Crete notch three important points but also advanced them to the 7th position in the league with 20 points, just above Asteras and Atromitos, giving them the hope of playoff contention.
On the other hand, the performance deepened the troubles for Volos, who stayed at the 11th position with 17 points, mirroring their struggles throughout the season.
OFI coach and players expressed satisfaction with their display, emphasizing the need to keep the winning momentum as they prepare to face Aris on January 5, 2025, at 16:30, signaling the start of the new year with optimism.
The match drew attention not just for its scoreline but also for its broader significance—representing the end of the calendar year for both clubs and including reflections from players and fans alike about what this result meant for their respective journeys going forward.
Meanwhile, Volos will take on AEK on the same date, trying to claw back from their current form.
Both teams now look to regroup and strategize as they head toward the second half of the season, keeping close tabs on their performance as they will be met with renewed challenges after the break.
