PAOK wins Greek Cup with dramatic 90th minute goal

Thousands defied coronavirus restrictions to celebrate, with an all-night party erupting in Thessaloniki’s White Tower and elsewhere (photos)

Celebrations erupted at Thessaloniki's White Tower after the win. Photo:Eurokinissi/Motion Team

23 May 2021 12:15pm

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The Greek Cup final at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday was a spectacular one with its dramatic finish triggering tears of joy for PAOK fans and pain for the Reds.

While Olympiakos had outperformed PAOK for the biggest part of the second half, a move by Michael Krmencik was all it took to seal the victory deal (2-1) at the eleventh hour.

The 90th minute goal won PAOK its eighth cup, the fourth in the last five years.

Crazy stuff #PAOK #Reloaded #CupWinners pic.twitter.com/3VszE7mDwV

— PAOK FC (@PAOK_FC) May 23, 2021

Fans enjoyed a suspenseful match from the very beginning with PAOK in fact securing a 1-0 lead in the first half, thanks to team captain Adelino Vieirinha following a penalty earned by Stefan Schwab.

But just five minutes after the interval’s start, the Reds made a strong comeback thanks to Yann M’Vila. A big opportunity was lost within a short time after with Giorgos Massouras.

In a final no short of highlights, Olympiacos’ boss Pedro Martins attributed the loss to his team lacking a killer instinct needed.

Meanwhile, fans of the Thessaloniki champions had a sleepless night with celebrations erupting out on the streets till the early morning hours.

Μια κάποια κίνηση την έχει στο Βενιζέλος #CupWinners #TheFinal2021 #Reloaded pic.twitter.com/8Akfwmzg7K

— PAOK FC (@PAOK_FC) May 22, 2021

Thousands reportedly gathered around the White Tower, and other outdoor locations defying coronavirus restrictions.

Trying to approach White Tower at a night that #SKG doesn't sleep #MissionImpossible #PAOK #Reloaded pic.twitter.com/p02QrB6FxZ

— PAOK FC (@PAOK_FC) May 23, 2021