Olympiacos, PAOK stumble over first leg of crucial European ties

Olympiacos and PAOK’s hopes of progressing in Europe are now in serious jeopardy after suffering what could be vital losses away in the play-offs for the Round of 16 of the European competitions.

The Piraeus giants were handed a 2-1 loss away to Atalanta in the first leg of the Europa League qualifiers for the Round of 16.

The red-whites gained the lead after a brilliant long-range effort from striker Tiquinho Soares (16′) before being undone by a quickfire brace from centre-back Berat Djimsiti, who found the net twice from corners (61′, 63′).

PAOK’s chances of reaching the Europa Conference League Round of 16 have taken a hit after being downed 1-0 by FC Midtjylland in the first leg.

The Double-headed eagle of the North created a few chances though it was Midtjylland right back Joel Andersson who made the crucial breakthrough with a lovely curled finish into the bottom left corner (20′).

Both Olympiacos and PAOK will have to win the tie outright in their respective second legs next Friday morning as the away goals rule has been scrapped from this season.

Greek Super League weekend fixtures

Aris and PAOK are set to clash in a tense Thessaloniki derby which could decide the fate of the yellow-blacks season.

Aris hosts their fierce rivals in the most anticipated fixture of the Greek Super League’s 24th round on Monday morning.

PAOK will be keen to bounce back from their loss to Midtjylland as well as ruin their opponent’s season, who desperately need maximum points to keep up in the top six race.

AEK plays Giannina at home in a tricky match for both sides, with the Athenian giants (third place) hoping to create a gap between themselves and the “Ajax” of Epirus (fifth place).

Olympiacos travels away to Volos and they will need a confidence boost after their disappointing loss to Atalanta.

Panathinaikos visits Panetolikos on Sunday morning in search for a fourth consecutive victory as they continue to fight for a top half finish which is yet to be guaranteed to them.

Asteras Tripolis makes the trip to Atromitos where they aim to recompose themselves, as well as put pressure on their near-rivals, after a shock loss to Ionikos last round saw them fall behind.

Ionikos plays OFI in Nikaia and the Cretans will be looking for a win after drawing their catchup game with Atromitos 2-2 on Thursday, a missed opportunity to gain some ground on Giannina and Panathinaikos.

Lamia and Apollon Smyrnis will face off in the round’s last match with the Light Brigade urgently searching for just their second victory all season as they prepare for the daunting relegation playoffs.