Recap
It was an endless party inside and outside the „OPAP Arena” for the championship title. AEK destroyed Volos in the final round by 4:0 and is back at the top after 5 years. Now, the next goal is the Cup (last won in 2016), which will mean the first double crown since 1978 and only the third in their history. The isolation in a hotel two days before the match seems to have taken it more seriously, and the only absence for coach Almeida is Argentinian Araújo (29/7 out in the last 7 games).
This season is „transitional” for PAOK, where they finished in 4th place (worst in 7 years) and now the only chance to get the Europa League ticket is to win the Cup, otherwise will compete in the Conference League. They finished the league without a win against the top three in the standings (0-1-5). They dominate in the Cup in recent years, „counting” 4 conquests (the three against AEK) in 5 finals in the last six years. They have some key absences like Oliveira (32/7), Narey (27/7), Kargas (8/0), and Murg (4/0).
The odds for AEK to win are in constant decline and based on the image of the two teams throughout the season, I think that AEK is absolutely the best team in the season with superb team chemistry. The match will be played at the neutral Panthessaliko Stadium in Volos.