As the 2025-26 Stoiximan Super League kicks off, all eyes are on Thessaloniki, where PAOK hosts AEL in a fixture steeped in history and brimming with anticipation. The clash, taking place at PAOK’s storied home ground, marks not only the start of a new campaign but also rekindles a rivalry that has delivered plenty of drama over the decades. With the match currently unfolding and the scoreboard showing action well into the second half, fans are on the edge of their seats, eager to see if the home side can maintain its remarkable record against the visitors from Thessaly.
Looking back, the ties between these two clubs are nothing short of compelling. The last time PAOK and AEL met in league competition was on September 11, 2020, when Christos Tzolis etched his name into the annals by scoring the only goal in the 16th minute, sealing a 1-0 win for the Double-headed Eagle. That encounter, too, was an opening-day affair, highlighting the uncanny tendency for these two sides to cross paths at the season’s dawn. In fact, this marks the fifth time they’ve squared off on Matchday 1, with previous season openers dating as far back as 1982-83, 1988-89, and 1990-91. In those campaigns, PAOK prevailed with scores of 3-2, 2-1, and 2-1, respectively, demonstrating an early-season edge over their Thessalian rivals.
Statistically, PAOK’s dominance on home turf is hard to ignore. Out of 32 top-flight encounters in Thessaloniki, the hosts have emerged victorious 24 times, drawn six, and only surrendered twice to AEL. The recent trend is even more daunting for the visitors: PAOK has won the last 13 home games against AEL across all competitions, including 10 league fixtures and three Greek Cup matches. Even more impressively, in 11 of those 13 matches, PAOK managed to keep a clean sheet, underlining a defensive solidity that’s become something of a hallmark in these contests.
For the statisticians and historians among us, the first-ever meeting between the two sides dates back to January 6, 1974. On that occasion, PAOK triumphed 3-1, setting the tone for what would become a lopsided rivalry in Thessaloniki. The Double-headed Eagle then rattled off three consecutive 4-0 victories, further cementing their early superiority. Over the years, the scorelines have varied—seven of PAOK’s league wins over AEL have been by the narrowest of margins at 1-0, while four finished 2-1 and three ended with emphatic 4-0 tallies. It’s a pattern that suggests PAOK knows how to grind out results as well as put on a show when the stars align.
The Greek Cup has also provided its share of memorable encounters between these two clubs. Most recently, they locked horns on December 22, 2021, in the Round of 16, with PAOK once again prevailing, this time by a 3-1 scoreline. That win followed a dominant 5-0 performance in the previous season’s cup meeting, further reinforcing the home side’s psychological edge in knockout formats.
But what about the present? As the current match unfolds, the officials tasked with keeping order on the pitch are under the spotlight. Referee Fotias is in charge, supported by VAR official Zampalas, assistant referees Meintanas, Papadakis, and Fitsas, with Kokkinos serving as the fourth official. With the game reaching the 46-minute mark at last update, the tension is palpable. Fans are glued to their seats, waiting to see if PAOK can extend their remarkable home record or if AEL can spring a surprise and upset the odds.
For PAOK, this fixture marks their eighth consecutive home opener—a streak that speaks to both their stature in Greek football and the league’s scheduling quirks. In the previous seven home premieres, PAOK has recorded five wins, one draw, and one defeat. Victories have come against the likes of Asteras Aktor, Panaitolikos, and Panserraikos, with only PAS Giannina managing to spoil the party. That track record adds another layer of expectation to today’s game, as the fans in Thessaloniki are accustomed to starting the season with a bang.
The atmosphere inside the stadium is electric, with supporters making their voices heard from the opening whistle. They know the history, and they’re keenly aware of the significance of maintaining their dominance over AEL. After all, in football, tradition and momentum often count for as much as tactics and talent. PAOK’s players, too, seem to feed off the energy, knowing full well that a strong start can set the tone for the entire campaign.
AEL, for their part, arrive in Thessaloniki as underdogs, but with a point to prove. Their last win in this fixture is a distant memory, but football has a way of throwing up surprises when least expected. With the match still in progress, there’s everything to play for, and the visitors will be desperate to break their long winless streak on PAOK’s turf.
For the neutrals, this fixture offers a fascinating blend of history, rivalry, and the unpredictability that makes football so compelling. Will PAOK’s fortress hold firm once again, or can AEL defy the odds and rewrite the script? With the clock ticking into the second half, every pass, tackle, and shot takes on added significance.
As the action continues, one thing is clear: this is more than just another league fixture. It’s a meeting of tradition, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of glory that defines Greek football. The fans, the players, and the coaches all know what’s at stake, and the outcome—still very much in the balance—will resonate long after the final whistle.
For now, the story is still being written. With history on their side and the crowd behind them, PAOK will look to extend their remarkable home record, while AEL fights to turn the tide and start their season with a statement. Whatever happens, this opening-day clash is already living up to its billing as one of the must-watch fixtures of the new Super League season.
