ATHENS, Greece (Interstat) — Substitute Ketu Jih scored a first-half goal to propel Asteras Tripolis to a 1-0 victory over Atromitos in a Super League 1 match on Sunday.

The match, played at Stadio Peristeriou, defied pregame projections that heavily favored the visitors. Statistical models had given Asteras Tripolis a significant chance to win, but the expected tight contest instead became a defensive showcase for the traveling side.

The game’s lone goal arrived in the 17th minute, breaking the early deadlock. The play was built from the back, with defender Quini initiating the attack. He found fellow defender Jaŭhien Jablonski, who also came off the bench, pushing forward into the midfield. Jablonski then delivered a pass to forward Ognjen Ožegović, who set up the decisive finish.

Jih, who had just entered the match, provided the final touch, slotting the ball home to give Asteras Tripolis an early lead they would not relinquish. The goal underscored the immediate impact of the visitors’ tactical substitutions.

The physical nature of the contest was reflected in a flurry of yellow cards shown before halftime. Quini was booked just two minutes after his assist, in the 19th minute, for a challenge stemming from the restart. Jablonski received a caution in the 44th minute, and Ožegović was shown a yellow card four minutes later, in the 48th minute, as Atromitos struggled to find a response.

The second half saw Atromitos press for an equalizer, but the Asteras Tripolis defense held firm, organized and disciplined in protecting its narrow advantage. The home side was unable to break through, leaving their fans disappointed as the final whistle confirmed a shutout loss.

With the result, Asteras Tripolis begins its Super League 1 campaign with a victory, moving its record to one win and zero losses. The club’s overall record across all competitions also starts at one win and zero losses.

For Atromitos, the home opener ended in defeat, handing the club an initial record of zero wins and one loss in the league and an identical zero wins and one loss mark across all competitions. The loss comes as a surprise, particularly after pregame simulations had predicted a 1-1 draw, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the season’s early fixtures.