Both AEK and Panathinaikos were forced to settle for a draw in an intense Athenian derby that ended in chaotic fashion.

The two teams played out a 0-0 stalemate at “Agia Sophia” Stadium on Monday morning to close the 1st round of the Greek Super League play-offs, with the “Trifylli” holding firm to protect their two-point lead over their rivals.

There were chances for each club throughout the match, though it truly kicked into full gear in injury time.

The Greens suffered a late blow when substitute Enis Cokaj committed a red card offence (90+9′) and they soon went into panic mode as Enosi was awarded a penalty (90+11′).

The league leaders were given a reprieve when VAR judged there to have been an earlier foul on a Panathinaikos player.

The decision caused outrage that extended to the benches and red cards were issued to members of both teams’ coaching staff as a result (90+13′).

The full-time whistle sounded soon after to bring a conclusion as both sides were left to rue a missed chance for a major success.

PAOK earned ultimate bragging rights in the Thessaloniki derby, beating Aris 1-2 at “Kleanthis Vikelidis” ground in a fantastic beginning to their play-offs campaign.

Midfielder Luis Palma released a wondrous strike from distance to put the hosts in front, curling the ball expertly into the bottom right corner (12′).

PAOK midfielder Stefan Schwab helped his club draw level after converting his penalty into the bottom right (68′) and they proceeded to take the lead five minutes later when winger Andrija Zivkovic scored the rebound following a save from goalkeeper Marios Siampanis.

Olympiacos recorded a 0-3 away triumph against Volos to move within three points of top spot.

The Piraeus giants began superbly as midfielder Pajtim Kasami put his side ahead with a finish from close range (7′) before marksman Cedric Bakambu doubled their lead with a header from a free kick set piece (36′).

Playmaker Kostas Fortounis then guaranteed the win with a magical free kick goal from an almost impossible angle (81′), guiding the ball into the net from just inside of Volos’ goal line.

Lamia mustered a valiant 2-0 victory over Giannina at home on Sunday morning to get off to a winning start in the play-outs.

Striker Nikos Vergos put the Fthiotida outfit ahead in the 12th minute after pouncing on an aerial ball following a save from goalkeeper Panagiotis Tsintotas.

Vergos sealed a brace with a strong header from a free kick to send his side two goals up at the break (45+1′).

The second period started poorly for Lamia as midfielder Tomas Sebastian de Vincenti was sent off for a second yellow (53′).

Lamia finished the match down to nine after Giorgos Manousos suffered two yellows in the span of four minutes (90+6′), though they remained unscathed by full time and moved two points clear of their immediate relegation rivals.

Levadiakos secured a 1-1 away draw against OFI to go level with Ionikos.

The “blue-greens” pulled in front in the 48th through a fantastic corner header by midfielder Giorgos Nikas, which he directed behind himself into the bottom right.

Winger Marko Bakic equalised for the Cretans via a well-directed free kick into the bottom right corner (73′) as both clubs failed to grab an elusive winner.

Ionikos came out of this weekend as the biggest losers, falling 2-0 to Atromitos away to fall into last place.

The Peristeriotes struck in the 19th minute after a brilliant piece of team play and skill saw midfielder Aguibou Camara through on goal, dribbling past goalkeeper Lefteris Choutesiotis before depositing the ball into an empty net.

Fellow midfield partner August Erlingmark put the game to bed with a decisive header from a corner into the bottom left (90′), seeing Atromitos finish on top in the relegation group.

Asteras Tripolis downed Panetolikos 2-1 at home in dramatic fashion for their first success in six matches.

The Arcadians took the lead through striker Jeronimo Barrales, who calmly hit his penalty down the middle (34′), before playmaker Dimitrios Kolovos finished off a team goal to make it level (50′).

The match seemed headed for a draw when left back Federico Alvarez released a bouncing long-range effort that found its way into the bottom left (90′), helping his side to all three points.

Greek Super League Ladder

 

Championship Group

1-Panathinaikos: 62

2-AEK: 60

3-Olympiacos: 59

4-PAOK: 57

5-Aris: 40

6-Volos: 39

Relegation Group

1-Atromitos: 32

2-Panetolikos: 29

3-Asteras Tripolis: 28

4-OFI: 27

5-Giannina: 23

6-Lamia: 20

7-Levadiakos: 18

8-Ionikos: 18