“His Basketball Skills Earned Him a Spot Between the Posts”
Bakić embraces his teammates after the crucial save that took OFI to the final, Photo: Printscreen YouTube
The Mediterranean island shook like never before in the past three decades—OFI from Crete will compete for the cup after 35 years. The night was made even more memorable by the remarkable performance of Marko Bakić.
The Montenegrin midfielder donned gloves in the 95th minute after goalkeeper Nikolaos Christoyorgos was sent off. Bakić stepped into the goal, leading OFI to the Greek Cup final and emerging as the hero of “Eat the Towers.”
In the semi-finals, the Heraklion team faced Asteras from Tripoli. After winning the first leg (1:0), the aggregate score was leveled at 1:1 in the 91st minute of the second leg. However, complications arose when Christoyorgos received a red card, leaving no substitutions available.
Bakić wore the goalkeeper’s jersey and gloves, facing a critical moment in the 11th minute of stoppage time when the guests had a golden opportunity for the final—a free kick from 16 meters.
Federico Alavares tried to catch Bakić off guard with a shot into the corner, but the Montenegrin demonstrated his defensive skills with a brilliant save, igniting the celebrations in Crete.
“This year, I’ve played as a ‘ten,’ an ‘eight,’ a ‘six,’ and now a goalkeeper. Defense? That came naturally,” Bakić told the Greek media.
Thus, OFI makes its way to Athens, where they will face the giants Olympiacos in the final at the Olympic Stadium “Spiridon Louis.”
“We felt pressure to reach the final, but I’m incredibly proud we made history, and I became part of it. We still have a lot to show in the final; I want our fans to know that,” Bakić added.
OFI’s coach, Milan Rastavac, explained his decision to put the Montenegrin player in goal.
“Marko is good at basketball, which is why I chose him,” said the Serbian coach.
Greek media have also praised the player.
“A defense that saves lives,” noted “Newsit,” while “Fos” called his save historic.
“Nova Sport” highlighted that Bakić donned the gloves to send his team to the final, and “Parapolitika” described him as a hero amid celebrations at the “Jedi Kula.”
“Bakić has shown promise ahead of the final,” noted “Gazzetta,” recalling his confidence that OFI will make an impact in Athens as well.
If OFI secures victory in the grand final, it will mark their first trophy since 1987 when they triumphed in the Cup. They last reached the final three years later but couldn’t replicate that success.
Nearly 40 years later, the cup may finally return to the Greek island.
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