The pressure is on PAOK to deliver again in Toumba after they fell short against French giants, Olympique du Marseille, in the first tie of the Europa Conference League quarter-finals.

The Double-headed eagle of the North lost 2-1 in France on Friday morning (AEST), with veteran playmaker Dimitri Payet playing a huge role in guiding Marseille to the win.

Payet provided the assist for the first goal of the night when his pass was masterfully flicked up, controlled and hit in on the volley by midfielder Gerson (13′).

Payet then scored a goal of the tournament contender when a corner was hit towards him, releasing a perfect, powerful shot from range on the half-volley into the top right corner (45′).

PAOK got one back early into the second half after a fantastic effort from midfielder Omar El Kaddouri (48′) and Gerson was sent off late (94′) to change the momentum of the tie ever so slightly.

PAOK now needs to use their fortress (Toumba Stadium) to record what would be an historic victory for the club.

 

AEK and Aris set for battle as race for third heats up

AEK is preparing for a tough match against Aris who, along with Panathinaikos, are all fighting fiercely for a much-desired third place finish.

With one point separating the three aforementioned clubs, Enosi’s home match on Monday morning (AEST) against the yellow-blacks has even more riding on it as each team strives to claim third as theirs.

The Thessalonians will likewise hope to escape from Athens with maximum points in one of two fourth round play-off matches.

Panathinaikos visits a tricky Giannina side in the other fixture, with the Greens needing to be at their best against an Epirotan side which has earned draws against Olympiacos and Aris.

Lamia travels to play Volos on Saturday night in the third round of the relegation play-outs, and the Fthiotida club will hope they can bag a win to keep a healthy distance from bottom place.

Apollon Smyrnis battles OFI at home on Sunday morning, with the Light Brigade needing to win to boost their chances of overtaking Lamia and avoiding a straight relegation.

Atromitos makes the trip to face Panetolikos as the Peristeriotes aim for maximum points to secure their place and avoid any relegation battle.

Asteras Tripolis hosts Ionikos as the Arcadians look for three points in their bid to finish higher than the rest.

The PAOK-Olympiacos match scheduled for this weekend has been postponed due to PAOK’s Europa Conference League commitments.

 

Greek Super League upcoming fixtures currently scheduled

Championship Group

PAS Giannina-Panathinaikos: 02.00, Mon 11 Apr

AEK-Aris: 02.30, Mon 11 Apr

Relegation Group

Volos-Lamia: 23.00, Sat 09 Apr

OFI-Apollon Smyrnis: 01.15, Sun 10 Apr

Asteras Tripolis-Ionikos: 02.30, Sun 10 Apr

Panetolikos-Atromitos: 03.30, Sun 10 Apr