Olympiacos have been handed a heartbreaking defeat after conceding in the dying minutes against FC Nantes, opening their Europa League campaign with a disappointing loss.
The Greek champions fell 2-1 away to Nantes on Friday morning in the first matchday of the Europa League group stage.
The French side broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute after two passes allowed Mostafa Mohamed to go one-on-one with the goalkeeper, as the forward expertly slotted the ball into the bottom right.
The Piraeus side managed to equalise after a corner delivery from winger Pep Biel deflected off Nantes midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy (50′) and into the goal.
With minutes of play left, midfielder Ludovic Blas delivered a cross which was powerfully headed into the bottom right by winger Evann Guessand from just outside the penalty spot (90+3′), giving Nantes the victory.
Omonia lost their opening game 0-3 to FC Sheriff Tiraspol in what spells lots of trouble for the Cypriot club, with their group also featuring Manchester United and Real Sociedad.
The Moldovans found the back of the net less than 70 seconds in after a long ball from the goalkeeper was met by forward Rasheed Akanbi, who then lifted the ball past advancing goalkeeper Fabiano.
The visitors doubled their lead when striker Iyayi Atiemwen buried his penalty into the bottom left (55′) before teammate Mouhame Diop tapped in from close range to seal the result (76′).
AEK Larnaca conceded a last-minute winner to lose 1-2 in their home clash with Stade Rennais.
The Rennes-based club went ahead via a brilliant long shot from centre half Arthur Theate, with the ball deflecting off the right post and into the net (29′).
The yellow-greens equalised soon after, thanks to a cross from right back Roberto Rosales which was headed in from close range by midfielder Oier (33′).
The match looked destined for a draw when substitute Lorenz Assignon met a cross from Kamal-Deen Sulemana on the volley, smacking it with the outside of his foot into the goal (90+4′) to secure the win.
Apollon Limassol recorded an away 0-0 stalemate against FC Vadus in the opening game of the Europa Conference League group stage.
Panathinaikos preparing for first major test to title credentials in blockbuster Athens derby with AEK
Panathinaikos’ perfect league start faces its most serious threat yet this weekend as they prepare for a visit from rivals AEK in both teams’ first derby of the season.
The “Trifylli” hosts Enosi on Monday morning (AEST) in the most anticipated fixture of the Greek Super League’s fourth round, with both sides looking to secure early bragging rights.
The Greens have marginally more on the line as any dropped points could see them relinquish first just as quickly as they procured it.
Olympiacos will be hoping to pounce on a Panathinaikos slip-up, though they will first have to defeat a stubborn Volos outfit at home which has already recorded one away upset against a giant (AEK) this campaign.
Aris travels to face Asteras Tripolis and the Thessaloniki club will be aiming to get back to winning ways after losing and drawing their past two games.
PAOK takes on Lamia at home in the round’s closing contest on Tuesday morning as they look to earn three points and remain near the top of the ladder.
Atromitos visits Ionikos and the Peristeriotes will be striving to extend their opponent’s troubles, with the Nikaia side only on one point after their opening three matches.
Panetolikos is preparing for a tricky away meeting with OFI, whose spirits will be lifted after getting their first points as well as their maiden win of the season last weekend.
Giannina is set to battle Levadiakos at home in a fierce encounter wherein both sides will be fighting desperately for their debut win this term.
Greek Super League Round 4 fixtures (AEST)
OFI-Panetolikos: 01.30, Sun 11 Sep
PAS Giannina-Levadiakos: 02.15, Sun 11 Sep
Ionikos-Atromitos: 04.30, Sun 11 Sep
Olympiacos-Volos: 01.30, Mon 12 Sep
Asteras Tripolis-Aris: 04.30, Mon 12 Sep
Panathinaikos-AEK: 04.30, Mon 12 Sep
PAOK-Lamia: 02.00, Tue 12 Sep
