Panathinaikos crush AEK in Athens derby to secure a top-six finish

Panathinaikos has guaranteed its place in the championship play-offs after dominating the Athens derby to defeat AEK.

The “Trifylli” recorded a crucial 3-0 home win over Enosi in the premier fixture of the Greek Super League’s 25th round, solidifying their place in the top six in the process.

The Greens produced a magnificent first half with all three goals coming inside the first half hour.  Panathinaikos winger Aitor Cantalapiedra converted his penalty (16’) which was followed two minutes later by a great driving run from teammate Sebastian Palacios, whose shot deflected into the back of the net. Aitor then delivered a great cross which was glanced in by striker Fotis Ioannidis (29’) to guarantee the three points.

Olympiacos managed a comfortable 2-0 home win over OFI as they continue their unbeaten league run. Winger Garry Rodrigues put the Piraeus club in front following a corner (19’) when the Cretans were dealt a huge blow with defender Kostas Giannoulis suffering a straight red (70’). The league leaders sealed the result after an own-goal from former Olympiacos striker Fiorin Durmishaj (89’).

PAOK was held to a shocking 1-1 draw at Toumba by Ionikos, unable to recover fully from their marathon European match with FC Midtjylland last Friday morning. The Thessaloniki giants went ahead after midfielder Stefan Schwab’s composed penalty (33’) but the Nikaia side brought it level thanks to a powerful low-driven strike from forward Thuram (58’).

Aris recorded a 0-2 away victory over Asteras Tripolis on Sunday morning (AEDT) to surge into fifth, overtaking their opponents in the process who have now lost three of their last four. The yellow-blacks found their first thanks to a strong effort from the edge of the box by striker Aboubakar Kamara (41’) before midfielder Lucas Sasha finished it off with a tap-in at the death (90+7’).

Panetolikos and Volos played out a goalless draw to stay level on 29 points as they both look assured of a mid-table position.