REA took a huge step toward qualification for the semifinals, defeating Asteras Tripolis 1–0 at the Sochora Stadium in the first leg of the Greek Cup quarterfinals.
Stelios Kozanidis’ team showed character, patience, and belief until the very end, claiming the victory thanks to a stunning goal by Ruzafa in the 87th minute, which sent the packed stands into raptures.
The match was intense, played at a high tempo, and featured major chances for both teams, especially in the second half. Early on, neither side managed to threaten, but after the break the hosts created the best opportunities. REA threatened repeatedly, had a goal disallowed, hit the crossbar, yet never gave in. The breakthrough came in the 87th minute, when Ruzafa picked up the ball on the left, beat every opponent in her path, entered the penalty area and unleashed a thunderbolt into the top-left corner for the 1–0, giving our team a clear advantage ahead of the return leg.
The second leg will take place on January 28 in Tripoli, with REA now holding the upper hand in the race for qualification. Before that, however, attention turns back to the league and the upcoming away match against Volos 2004 next weekend.
REA THANK YOU MESSAGE
REA would like to warmly thank the Savromenos School, the Music School, and the 1st General High School, as well as all the students who filled the Sochora Stadium, created a unique atmosphere, and gave our players the crucial boost they needed in such an important match.
AWARD FOR ELEFTHERIA DAFERMOU
Before kickoff, REA president Iraklis Manoukarakis honored Eleftheria Dafermou for her great contribution to the club. Eleftheria, who wore the captain’s armband for many years and proudly served REA, returned to Sochora for the first time as an opponent, receiving a warm ovation from the crowd and her former teammates from Rethymno.
KEY MOMENTS & GOALS
53’ Huge save by English after Georgantzi’s shot from close range, with the REA goalkeeper parrying the ball onto the right post before gathering it.
54’ Bonnin shot from outside the box, with the ball passing just over the crossbar.
55’ A mistake on the goalkeeper’s clearance saw the ball hit Bonnin and fall to Ruzafa, who scored, but the referee disallowed the goal for a handball by Bonnin.
59’ Big chance as Ruzafa shot toward the right corner, forcing the goalkeeper into a difficult save for a corner.
65’ Bonnin found Ruzafa inside the box, whose diagonal shot went just wide of the left post.
80’ Markoutsa took a direct corner, the ball struck the crossbar, and the defense cleared at the last moment.
GOAL!!! 87’ Ruzafa picked up the ball on the left, dribbled past all her opponents, entered the box and fired a rocket into the top-left corner to make it 1–0!
REA (S. Kozanidis): English, Kotsaki, Vorria, Nikopoulou, Panteri, Bonnin, Ruzafa, Kanellou, Situma (77’ Markoutsa), Georgoula, Nigito.
Asteras Tripolis (M. Masaryk): Grigoriadou, Gkatsou, Castanon, Proxenou (46’ Goula), Michail, Spiridonidou (85’ Karagianni), Mendoza, Rocane, Tzaferi, Pitsiou (85’ Melissou), Georgantzi (71’ Georgantzi).
