Volos Elabet defeated Iraklis 3-1 in Serres to qualify for the League Phase of the Superbet Greek Cup after a fast-paced match on Monday evening.
The visiting side held the upper hand for most of the contest, while Iraklis delivered a strong offensive display but were undone by defensive errors in what was described as the finest match of the tournament so far.
Both teams created early scoring opportunities before Volos Elabet broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Katsikas rose unhindered to head home following a free kick and a lapse in the Iraklis defense.
Katsikas opted not to celebrate his opening goal out of respect for Iraklis, having previously played for the Thessaloniki club.
Disputed calls and dramatic first-half stoppage time
The remainder of the first half featured open play and controversy at both ends. Volos officials protested after a goal by Charalampoglou was ruled out for offside, while Iraklis claimed a penalty for a challenge on Koustas in the box.
Iraklis equalized in the first minute of first-half stoppage time when Koustas latched onto a pass from Soria and struck a shot past Volos goalkeeper Siampanis to make it 1-1.
The home team's celebrations were brief, as Volos restored their lead in the fourth minute of added time. A defensive mistake by Iraklis following a cross from Lambrou allowed the unmarked Saoumi to score easily for 1-2.
Penalty claim and counter-attack seal victory
Both teams maintained an aggressive tempo after the interval, continuing to threaten in an open contest. The decisive moment came in the 60th minute when Iraklis appealed for a penalty after Nizet went down under a challenge.
Volos immediately launched a counter-attack from the incident, with Tzokas finishing the break to extend the lead to 1-3. Volos preserved the two-goal margin until the final whistle, supported by key saves from goalkeeper Siampanis.
Club backgrounds and competition structure
Iraklis, traditionally known as the Cyan-Whites or Giraios, are one of the oldest sports clubs in Greece, based in Thessaloniki. Volos Elabet represent the port city of Volos in Thessaly and compete in Greece's top football division.
The match was held at a neutral venue in Serres, a city in Central Macedonia. The Superbet Greek Cup is the country's main domestic knockout tournament, organized by the Hellenic Football Federation, with the victory sending Volos into the newly structured League Phase.
