Panathinaikos has pulled off the scalp of the season after defeating Olympiacos at Karaiskakis Stadium, as the Greens, Aris and AEK each scored invaluable wins for their European ambitions.

The “Trifylli” secured an enormous 1-2 upset away against arch-rivals Olympiacos on Thursday morning (AEST) in the eighth round of the play-offs, handing their enemy their first league loss in their home fortress this season.

Panathinaikos struck against the run of play when star winger Sebastian Palacios scored a magnificent goal from just outside the box, striking the ball into the left side past goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik (11′).

The visitors doubled their lead when Aitor Cantalapiedra’s corner was smashed in by defender Bart Schekenveld’s header (54′).

The match featured a brief stoppage of play due to smoke from flares released by the home fans, halting the Greens’ momentum.

Olympiacos capitalised soon after, halving the deficit through a deflection off striker Tiquinho Soares from a corner (70′).

The “Trifylli” held strong to record their second win against their rivals, as well as keeping the league champions winless in the Derby of the eternal enemies this season.

Aris recorded their own pivotal away derby success, downing PAOK 0-1 at Toumba Stadium to keep only two points behind Panathinaikos.

The Yellow-Blacks combined masterfully to grab the match’s winning goal, with Aboubakar polishing off a fantastic team movement with a composed one-on-one finish (63′).

AEK, likewise, bagged a crucial 3-0 home victory over PAS Giannina to keep the gripping battle for a European spot going.

Enosi went ahead after an amazing strike from advancing left back Ehsan Hajsafi, hitting the back of the net from a very tight angle (39′).

Forward Nordin Amrabat then converted his penalty to make it two (45+5′) before midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak secured the three points with his goal (59′).

Greek Super League Ladder

 

Championship Group

1-Olympiacos: 79

2-PAOK: 60

3-Panathinaikos: 58

4-Aris: 56

5-AEK: 56

6-PAS Giannina: 46

Relegation Group

1-OFI: 44

2-Ionikos: 42

3-Asteras Tripolis: 40

4-Panetolikos: 37

5-Volos: 37

6-Atromitos: 32

7-Lamia: 25

8-Apollon Smyrnis: 21

Greek Super League fixtures currently scheduled

Championship Group

Aris-AEK: Sun 15 May

Olympiacos-PAOK: Sun 15 May

Panathinaikos-PAS Giannina: Sun 15 May

Relegation Group

Volos-OFI: Sun 15 May

Asteras Tripolis-Apollon Smyrnis: Mon 16 May

Ionikos-Panetolikos: Mon 16 May

Lamia-Atromitos: Mon 16 May