AEK Athens Edges OFI in Super League 1 Opener

ATHENS (Interstat) — AEK Athens opened its Super League 1 campaign with a victory, defeating OFI 2-1 on Sunday at Agia Sophia Stadium.

The home side, heavily favored pre-match, secured the three points with goals from substitutes in each half, overcoming a resilient effort from the Cretan visitors.

The match began at a furious pace and was ignited almost immediately. Just two minutes into the contest, AEK Athens substitute Eddy Salcedo Mora, who had been brought into the lineup shortly before kickoff, opened the scoring. The early strike gave the hosts a commanding lead and set the tone for a first half largely controlled by the reigning champions.

OFI settled into the match as the half progressed, but its task grew more difficult just before the break. In the 44th minute, OFI defender James Penrice was shown a yellow card, and in first-half stoppage time, substitute Borja González also received a caution for the visitors.

AEK Athens doubled its advantage nine minutes into the second half. Midfielder Robert Ljubičić found the net in the 54th minute, seemingly putting the game out of reach. The goal sparked a flurry of disciplinary action, with Salcedo Mora receiving a yellow card for AEK Athens in the 55th minute and OFI’s Krešimir Krizmanić booked in the 59th.

OFI refused to capitulate and found a lifeline in the 67th minute. Forward Luka Jović scored to cut the deficit to 2-1, injecting tension into the final quarter-hour. The goal ensured a nervy finish for the home supporters as OFI pressed for an equalizer.

The latter stages of the match became increasingly fractious. AEK Athens captain Petros Mantalos was cautioned in the 71st minute, followed by goal-scorer Ljubičić in the 76th. OFI’s push for a leveling goal was hampered by further bookings for defender Llazaros Rota in the 88th minute and substitute Juan Neira a minute later.

Despite the late pressure, AEK Athens managed the game effectively in stoppage time to seal the victory. The result defied the pre-match projection from Interstat’s game simulator, which had forecast a 1-1 draw. The analytics firm’s ELO rating system, however, had given AEK Athens a 95.10 percent probability to win.

The victory gives AEK Athens a perfect start to its domestic season, moving its record to one win and no losses in Super League 1 play. OFI begins its campaign with a defeat, standing at no wins and one loss.

Key performances fueled the AEK Athens attack. Salcedo Mora, entering the match as a substitute, delivered a decisive one-goal, one-assist statline. Midfielder Robert Ljubičić matched that output with a goal and an assist of his own. OFI’s lone goal came from striker Luka Jović.

The match was the first of the Greek top-flight season for both clubs, organized by Super League 1.