THESSALONIKI, Greece (Interstat) — PAOK delivered a commanding performance to advance in the Cup in Greece, decisively defeating lower-division side Marko 4-1 on Wednesday afternoon at a rain-slicked Stadio Toumbas.

The match, a round of 32 fixture, unfolded as a showcase of top-flight quality against determined but overmatched opposition. PAOK, a perennial power in Greek football, validated its overwhelming favorite status from the opening whistle, controlling possession and tempo against a Marko squad that struggled to cope with the pace and precision of the Super League side.

The home side’s dominance translated to the scoreboard early. Midfielder Ioannis Konstantelias opened the scoring in the 17th minute, finishing a fluid team move to settle any early nerves. The lead was doubled just nine minutes later when defender Anestis Mythou found the net, capitalizing on a set-piece situation to put PAOK firmly in control.

Konstantelias secured his brace before halftime, striking again in the 37th minute to give the hosts a commanding 3-0 lead at the break. The first half was a stark illustration of the gulf between the sides, with PAOK’s relentless pressure yielding a result that aligned with pregame projections. Data firm Interstat’s game simulator had projected a far narrower 1-0 victory for PAOK, while its ELO rating system gave the home side a 91.70 percent probability to win.

The second half saw Marko reorganize and show increased resilience, managing to disrupt PAOK’s rhythm for long stretches. Their persistence was rewarded with a consolation goal in the 84th minute, as Iván Müller found a breakthrough to deny PAOK a clean sheet.

Any thought of a dramatic late comeback was extinguished in the final moments, however. Deep into second-half stoppage time, PAOK substitute Mohamed Mady Camara restored the three-goal margin, slotting home in the 90th minute to seal the 4-1 victory.

The result sets PAOK’s course for the next round of the domestic cup competition. It marks a positive start to their campaign in this tournament, improving their record to 1 win and 0 losses in the Cup. Across all competitions this season, PAOK now stands at 1 win and 0 losses. For Marko, the defeat ends their cup run at the first hurdle, leaving them with a record of 0 wins and 1 loss in the competition and an identical mark across all matches this season.

The comprehensive nature of the victory will provide a confidence boost for PAOK as they continue their pursuits on multiple fronts, while Marko exits the competition after a brave display that ultimately could not contain the firepower of a superior opponent.