Ethnikos Pireaus secured a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Rouf FC in Greek Gamma Ethniki action on Sunday, September 27, 2026. A second-half goal from Alexandros Souflas proved enough to separate the sides in a tense Attica derby that was short on clear-cut chances but rich in midfield battles and tactical discipline.

A narrow win built on patience

The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams prioritising defensive solidity. Rouf FC started brightly and won a series of free-kicks in promising positions, but Ethnikos Pireaus defended them well, with their centre-backs heading clear under pressure. The visitors gradually grew into the game, controlling possession without creating many clear openings. Their best moment of the opening period came from a long-range effort that skimmed the outside of the post.

The decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute. Ethnikos Pireaus won the ball in midfield and moved it quickly to the left, where a precise cross found Alexandros Souflas arriving at the back post. His first-time finish was emphatic, giving the Rouf goalkeeper no chance and silencing the home crowd. It was a goal that rewarded Ethnikos for their patience and persistence.

Key moments

• 12’ – Rouf FC force an early save from a well-struck free-kick.
• 31’ – Ethnikos Pireaus hit the post with a low drive from outside the box.
• 67’ – Alexandros Souflas scores the only goal, finishing a left-wing cross at the back post.
• 84’ – Rouf FC are denied by a brilliant goal-line clearance from an Ethnikos defender.
• 90+2’ – The Ethnikos goalkeeper claims a dangerous cross to secure the win.

Tactical story: control and counter

Ethnikos Pireaus set up with a compact midfield and looked to absorb pressure before hitting Rouf FC on the break. Their wingers stayed wide, stretching the home defence, and the midfield trio worked hard to win back possession. Once ahead, they dropped deeper and invited Rouf to break them down, relying on their defensive organisation and the safe hands of their goalkeeper.

Rouf FC struggled to find a way through. They enjoyed more of the ball in the final twenty minutes but lacked a cutting edge in the final third. Their crosses were often overhit, and when they did work an opening, Ethnikos defenders threw themselves in front of the ball. The home side’s frustration grew as the clock ticked down, and a late flurry of corners came to nothing.

Standout players

Alexandros Souflas was the match-winner for Ethnikos Pireaus, taking his goal with real quality and working tirelessly off the ball. Goalkeeper Petros Vlachos also deserved credit for a composed performance, including a crucial late claim. For Rouf FC, midfielder Kostas Dimitriou was their most energetic performer, while centre-back Manolis Stavrou made several important challenges to keep the scoreline respectable.

What the result means

The three points keep Ethnikos Pireaus firmly in the hunt at the top end of the Gamma Ethniki table. For Rouf FC, it is a narrow defeat that will sting, especially given the effort they put into the second half. The Attica club remains in need of points to climb away from the lower reaches of the standings, and they will need to find more creativity in attack if they are to turn these tight losses into draws or wins.