Dramatic Comeback in First Home Game of The Year

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Thrylos 7 International

·12 de janeiro de 2025

Dramatic Comeback in First Home Game of The Year

17 Year Old Charalambos Kostoulas Celebrates After Scoring Both Goals for Olympiacos's Win

Olympiacos kicked off 2025 in thrilling fashion with a 2-1 comeback victory over Aris at home. The win, achieved in dramatic fashion in injury-time, keeps Thrylos at the top of the Greek Super League standings.

Vídeos OneFootball

First-Half Struggles

The match began on a difficult note for Olympiacos. Despite some early opportunities, a defensive error in the 35th minute led to Aris taking the lead through Lorenco Morón, whose composed finish capped off a counterattack. The sequence began with Giulian Biancone losing possession near midfield, allowing Aris to capitalise.

Although Olympiacos created several chances in the first half, including a crucial save denying Gelson Martins, wastefulness in the final third left the team trailing at halftime.

Second-Half Turnaround

Manager Jose Luis Mendilibar made bold adjustments at half-time, introducing 17-year-old academy prospects Charalambos Kostoulas and Christos Mouzakitis. The youngsters injected energy and creativity into the side, with Kostoulas quickly proving to be the game-changer.

In the 50th minute, Kostoulas stole possession high up the pitch, dribbled past a defender, and slotted the ball coolly into the bottom corner to level the score. His celebration was muted, signaling his determination to push for the win.

Despite having two goals ruled out for offside and a questionable foul call via VAR, Olympiacos refused to relent. Kostoulas completed his brace in the 95th minute with a sensational header, capitalising on a perfect cross from Biancone. His clinical finish sealed the victory and sent the Karaiskakis crowd into raptures.

Key Performances

Charalambos Kostoulas: The undisputed man of the match, Kostoulas showcased maturity beyond his years. His two goals not only turned the game on its head but also demonstrated his composure and killer instinct in high-pressure situations.
Giulian Biancone: Despite his early error leading to Aris' goal, Biancone redeemed himself with two pinpoint crosses, including the assist for Kostoulas’ winner.
Team Spirit: The squad's unity was evident throughout the game, particularly when players rallied to defend Mouzakitis after a heated exchange with an Aris player.

Managerial Decisions

Mendilibar’s decision to introduce the young duo of Kostoulas and Mouzakitis proved pivotal. The bold move highlighted his confidence in the academy prospects, who repaid his faith with impactful performances. However, questions remain regarding the starting lineup, particularly the midfield partnership of Dani García and Santiago Hezze, which lacked creativity.

Looking Ahead

With a Greek Cup clash against Panathinaikos and crucial league fixtures ahead, Olympiacos must build on this momentum. The January transfer window also looms large, with fans eager for reinforcements in key areas.

For now, red & white fans can celebrate a thrilling comeback victory and the emergence of a rising star in Kostoulas. The team remains firmly in control of the title race as the season continues.

Final Thoughts

This was more than just a win—it was a testament to Olympiacos' fighting spirit, resilience and commitment to nurturing young talent. As the season progresses, such displays could be the foundation for both domestic and European success.

Man of the Match: Charalambos Kostoulas