They disallowed Kiril Despodov’s goal on his debut for PAOK against Aris in the Thessaloniki derby

Bulgarian national football team captain Kiril Despodov could have made a dream debut for his new team PAOK (Thessaloniki), but his goal was disallowed due to an offside. In his first meeting with the black and white jersey, he came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute in place of Yannis Constantelias, and signed off in the 84th minute. However, the goal was disallowed, as the review of the situation with the help of the video replay system (VAR) showed an ambush by the Spaniard Brandon Thomas, who passed to the Bulgarian winger.

Thus, in the end, the Thessaloniki derby between PAOK and Aris ended 0:0 and both teams added one point to their assets. PAOK collects 7 and is tied with OFI in the 3rd position, while Aris shares 7-10 position with 4.

The Thessaloniki derby was a split affair for large periods of the match, with PAOK having the upper hand in possession and shots. But three minutes before the Bulgarian winger’s goal, Aris could have scored. After a cross from a foul from the left by Loren Moron, the defender Fabiano fought for the ball and shot, but it was too weak and the guard Dominik Kotarski caught. In the 84th minute, the attack from the left was started by Tyson, he crossed, and the reserve Brandon Thomas brought the ball back. There, Kiril Despodov was watching what was going to happen, got his bearings first and with a technical shot with his right foot passed it through the bodies of two defenders and left no chances for goalkeeper Julian Cuesta. However, his joy, like that of the packed Tumba stadium, was short-lived. Great hopes are placed on the Bulgarian and this was seen when he appeared on the field, when the audience greeted him almost frantically.

PAOK head coach Razvan Lucescu chose a strange line-up, fielding Mbwana Samata at the top of the attack and Tyson on the wing. This “ate” Despodov’s place in the starting 11. But after his entry, the two-time number 1 player of Bulgaria showed serious activity. He was back in defense, tried three times to provoke a scoring chance for his team, until the 84th minute came when he sent the ball into the net after all, but the referees saw the offside.