AEK’s 2-0 victory over PAS Giannina ensures top-six finish

With a largely actionless draw in the anticipated Aris-PAOK derby clash, it was AEK that made the biggest impression this weekend as their defeat of PAS Giannina guaranteed a top-six league placement.

Enosi procured a 2-0 result against the “Ajax” of Epirus on Monday morning (AEDT) in the Super League’s 24th round, and in the process ensuring that they are mathematically out of reach of the teams in sixth place and lower in the league. Captain Petros Mantalos scored their first with a well-guided header before marksman Karim Ansarifard assured the victory in the 88th minute.

Aris and PAOK shared the points after a 0-0 draw in the Thessaloniki derby with the yellow-black club now needing a strong finish to the season to finish in a championship playoffs position.

Olympiacos playmaker Mathieu Valbuena powered his side to three points (81’) in their trip to Volos as they recorded a 0-1 success to keep their unbeaten league campaign intact.

READ MORE: AEK’s top-two hopes dashed as Olympiacos rifles late winner

Apollon Smyrnis managed a crucial 1-2 away victory over Lamia for what is only their second win all season. The Light Brigade took a shocking nil-two lead after goals from attackers Nikos Ioannidis (29’ header) and Giorgos Pamlidis (53’) before their right back Antonis Dentakis was sent off for a poorly timed tackle. The Fthiotide outfit managed a late consolation penalty which was converted by forward Giorgos Manousos (90+2), though they were resigned to a fourth straight loss.

Panetolikos earned a great 1-0 success at home, handing Panathinaikos their eighth away league loss of the season though they are still in fourth place. A free kick from midfielder Javier Mendoza was enough to split the two sides (47’) as the Greens were left to rue striker Carlitos’ missed penalty to equalise (69’).

Atromitos stunned Asteras Tripolis, earning a 2-0 home victory, with the visitors having suffered consecutive losses which puts lots of doubt on their top six chances.

The Athenians came out firing as winger Juan Muniz released a strike from range in the first minute which keeper Antonis Tsiftsis was unable to keep out. The night got worse for the yellow-blues when forward Crespi was given a straight red (38’) and the hosts secured the result with midfielder August Erlingmark’s effort (74’).

OFI squandered their chance to catch up with Panathinaikos and Giannina after they drew 0-0 away to Ionikos, with neither side able to convert their chances.