An injury-hit Gibraltar Men's National Team suffered their second defeat of the September International window, as Greece run out 5-0 victors at the OPAP Arena in Athens.
With goal-difference looking ever-more like a deciding factor in qualification from Group B, the home side were looking to emphatically bounce back from their 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Netherlands earlier this week.
Gibraltar came into the fixture not only lacking match sharpness, but also with a somewhat 'weakened' squad, missing the likes of regular starters Graeme Torrilla, Julian Valarino, Jayce Olivero, Louie Annesley and Bernardo Lopes.
In fact, the wave of injuries had left Julio Ribas and his men relatively thin in defence and midfield.
Depsite this, Gibraltar, came out determined to make it difficult for the home side, and despite the eventual scoreline, did just that, as their compact shape regularly frustrated the Greek during the game.
Greece took the lead in relatively fortunate circumstances, as a big save from Dayle Coleing landed at the feet of Pelkas to tap in.
Gus Poyet’s men would double their lead in the 22nd minute, as new West Ham signing Mavropanos, jumped highest at the back post to head in from a corner.
Gibraltar would hold fast for the remainder of the half and looked to hit Greece on the counter, with Tjay De Barr making a nuisance of himself, coupled with the tireless running of Kian Ronan.
Julio Ribas’ men immediately improved as the second half began, with the young midfield duo of Nicholas Pozo and Niels Hartman looking to get on the ball and keep possession.
Unfortunately for Gibraltar, a loose pass backwards was pounced on the 70th minute, as Masouras run through to intercept and slot home Greece's 3rd of the night.
Greece would continue pile on the pressure, and eventually had a 4th, as Mavropanos once again climbed high to head in looping cross into the bottom corner.
Masouras would also notch his second of the game, as he was played through on goal in injury time to make it 5-0.
Gibraltar's Men's National Team are next in action in October, when they travel to Wrexham for an international friendly versus Wales, before returning to Faro for a Group B Euro 2024 Qualifying clash against Ireland.
