The only team that could have had a real chance against the ladder leader, Olympiakos was PAOK, and they failed miserably last week.
In a 4-0 thrashing, the Reds managed to push their lead to six points in round 11 and showed once again they are the best bet for being crowned champions again.
But, the lasting image of round 11 wasn’t the reigning champion’s win, but rather the near fatal injury that had panic written on players’ and fan’s faces.
Saturday’s game between Aris and Panathinaikos saw the Green’s Nikos Marinakis fight for his life after suffering a horrible head injury.
The Panathinaikos full-back crashed on the floor after an opponent banged him with his head leaving him unconscious and not breathing. Panathinaikos and Aris players waved frantically to the doctors to rush onto the pitch while Panathinaikos keeper Stefanos Kapino and others were left in tears fearing for the worst.
One of the most striking pictures was the collective effort of both sets of players to remove the advertising hoards and make way for the ambulance that also came onto the pitch to pick up the player, who slowly regained his consciousness to the relief of everyone at the Kleanthis Vikelidis stadium as the
resuscitation process was successful.
Aris fans clapped their hands showing their solidarity to the visitors’ player, with the game ending 0-2 to Panathinaikos.
Tests later revealed no harm was sustained, a rarity in such occasions and such strong injuries.
In other games Kalloni beat bottom club Veria 3-0 away, Panetolikos downed Levadiakos 2-1 at home, Ergotelis came from behind to defeat visiting Panthrakikos 3-1, PAS Giannina saw off OFI with a 2-1 score and Platanias secured its first home win, a 2-0 victory over Apollon in its first game with manager Nikos Anastopoulos on its bench.
In round 12, PAOK takes on Aris, hopefully having fully rested after their two match week thanks to the Europa League.
Ladder leaders, Olympaikos travel to face Panthrakikos looking for an easy win, while Panathinaikos takes on PAS Giannina at home.
Number four, Panetolikos is up against last placed Veria and could see themselves move up to third if Atromitos fails to get enough points.
Source: Kathimerini
