Olympiakos came out on top as the stronger team in the ‘derby of eternal enemies’, winning 1-0 against its arch-rival Panathinaikos. The win bumped the team up to second place, only three points behind leader PAOK.
Despite being considered one of the poorest derbies between the two teams thanks to nerves getting in the way, the game saw central defender Tasos Avlonitis score his first ever Super League goal just one minute after coming on as a substitute.
Of course the game between the long standing rivals couldn’t pass without some drama. A coffin bearing the emblem of Panathinaikos was brought to Skai television, owned by Panathinaikos president Yiannis Alafouzos. Candles were lit and thrown into the coffin, setting it alight, before the perpetrators made a run for it. Security came to the rescue, putting the fire out before any further damage was done.
Along with Olympiakos, PAOK was also victorious, securing its ranking as number one for another round with a 4-1 win against Veria thanks to Robert Mak, Dimitris Salpingidis, Ergus Kace and Stefanos Athanasiadis.
Perhaps a game at Veria’s home ground this Sunday against Panionios will boost the team’s confidence, after the northern Greek team dropped to third place on the ladder.
Sunday will also see Olympiakos come up against Asteras Tripolis in an away game, while PAOK is sure to be an intimidating match up for Ergotelis, who have dropped to the fifteenth spot.
The Greens will find themselves equally matched when the team comes up against sixth placed Atromitos. With only one point separating the two, the Athenians will need to focus their game plan on creating enough chances at the goal lines on Monday.
Source: Kathimerini