Ionikos Nikaia Veterans Draw 4–4 with the SPAE Media Select Team

Satisfying 4-4

The SPAE Media Select Team played its fourth friendly against the Ionikos Nikaia Veterans. The dramatic match ended 4–4: the Select Team led 1–4 and appeared to have secured the win, but Ionikos fought back and equalised in the final minute.

A major protagonist for the Mixed was OPEN striker Alekos Latsounas, who scored a hat trick and was the main point of reference in the attack. The S.P.A.E. M.M.E. team took advantage of the opportunities it created, found a rhythm in its game and took a three-goal lead, showing at that point that it was in control.

The Ionikos Veterans, however, did not give up. Despite making changes in the second half to bring on older players, and despite the departure of centre-forward Giorgos Mariolis, they completed the comeback. Ilias Kyriakidis—Nikolić’s assistant and a former AEK and Ionikos professional—made it 4–4 in the final minute with a direct free kick. Elias Kyriakides, Nikolic's assistant and former professional footballer at AEK and Ionikos.

The match was a demanding test for the Ionikos Veterans, one week before their friendly against the AEK Veterans. It also confirmed that the Ionikos side remains active in the Piraeus veterans tournament and the Piraeus Veterans Cup. Piraeus veterans tournament, while it also has friendly participation in the Piraeus Veterans Cup.

A beautiful moment of the match occurred when Elias Kyriakides shook hands with Mikti's captain and manager, Michalis Flambouraris, acknowledging the moment in which he stopped him on his way down to the area with repeated feints.

Giannis Katsikis, Ionikos’ reserve goalkeeper, who also plays for Avgi in the Press Championship, presented an Ionikos Veterans pennant to Michalis Flampouraris.

The Select Team coach, Giorgos Sarris, who once played for Ionikos, also had the opportunity to meet many familiar faces at the Nikaia stadium.

The friendly against the Select Team served as preparation for the major Easter Monday match between the Ionikos and AEK Veterans at the same stadium.