Olympiacos stood firm to down PAOK in a vital victory that looks to be a decisive blow to the Thessaloniki side’s premiership chances.

The Piraeus giants defeated the Double-headed eagle of the North 3-1 at “Karaiskakis” Stadium on Thursday morning (AEST) in the third round of the Greek Super League play-offs, keeping well in range of first place in the process.

The night started well for PAOK as they pulled ahead in the 22nd minute after right back Joan Sastre delivered a cross from the right which teammate Brandon Thomas guided home off the inside of the left post.

It took a brilliant long-range strike from Olympiacos’ Cedric Bakambu to make it level, with the striker curling the ball into the top right (59′).

The reigning premiers then took the lead following a failed clearance from centre half Konstantinos Koulierakis which lobbed the ball in the air for winger Georgios Masouras to head over goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski (78′).

Veteran marksman Youssef El Arabi then sealed the win with a fortunate chipped penalty down the middle that just crept underneath Kotarski’s legs 87′).

It is a bitter loss for PAOK who now sit nine points off top spot, a margin that looms too large to chase down.

Panathinaikos held on for an essential 0-1 victory over Aris in a tight game with few chances at “Kleanthis Vikelidis” ground to stay level with title rivals AEK on the ladder.

The ‘Trifylli” eventually broke the deadlock in the 69th minute through striker Andraz Sporar after he latched onto the ball following a corner delivery, connecting just well enough to head it over goalkeeper Marios Siampanis and past the goal line before it could be cleared out.

Aris forward Aboubakar Kamara got sent off in the dying minutes for a second yellow (90+2′), something he seemingly foresaw as he asked to be subbed off earlier in the match due to losing control of his emotions.

This is a huge confidence boost for Panathinaikos as they now prepare for an intense battle with their archenemy, Olympiacos, on the weekend.

AEK secured a professional 0-1 away triumph against Volos for their second straight success to remain equal with their immediate championship rivals.

Enosi went in front early into the contest after some good pressing saw them create an opportunity for midfielder Orbelin Pineda on the edge of the box, who subsequently slotted it into the bottom right corner in what proved to be the winner (9’).

The Magnesia team, though dismayed, will take comfort in knowing that Aris, the side challenging them for fifth position, failed to extend the gap between them which is currently only a single point.

Greek Super League Ladder

Championship Group

1-AEK: 66

2-Panathinaikos: 66

3-Olympiacos: 63

4-PAOK: 57

5-Aris: 41

6-Volos: 40