AEK beat Nestos Chrysoupolis 2-0 in Greek Cup opener

AEK began its Greek Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Nestos Chrysoupolis, controlling the match and creating enough chances to reflect its superiority.

Zini opened the scoring in the 10th minute after Ariaga, making his first assist in AEK colors, found him with a lofted pass. The Angolan forward finished from close range. AEK had threatened earlier, with Zini missing into an empty net in the third minute and Gacinovic hitting the crossbar after a pass from Petros Mantalos.

AEK kept possession through the midfield, with Kairinen involved in much of the passing and Mantalos looking for Ariaga and Gacinovic with longer balls. Lykogiannis also came close, firing just wide in the 43rd minute after a promising debut performance.

Nestos tried to keep the ball after the break but created little danger for AEK goalkeeper Brignoli. AEK continued to control the game, although several crosses failed to find Zini, Kaloskamis or Gacinovic cleanly.

The result gave AEK a winning start, while coach Marko Nikolic could also take encouragement from Ariaga and Lykogiannis. AEK’s attacking intent and pressure produced a composed opening victory in the competition.