Both Panathinaikos and AEK were forced to settle for stalemates against PAOK and Olympiacos, stopping either side from gaining any advantage in the extremely tight premiership race as we head into the final two rounds.

Panathinaikos held on for a 1-1 draw against PAOK at “Leoforos” Stadium on Thursday morning (AEST) in the eighth round of the Greek Super League play-offs, finishing the last ten minutes a man down.

The “Trifylli” started strongly and obtained an early lead when striker Andraz Sporar passed while on the ground to winger Daniel Mancini, who subsequently finished the ball tidily into the bottom right (9′).

The “black-whites” sharpened up following this, particularly in the second period, when striker Brandon Thomas dribbled his way into the box before hitting the ball into the bottom left off the post to equalise on the hour mark.

The Greens suffered a late setback as centre half Bart Schenkeveld copped a straight red for a dangerous boot to Thomas’ head, with the Dutchman now set to potentially miss the rest of the season.

Despite this, Panathinaikos hung on for a point which proved enough to keep level in first place for another round.

AEK and Olympiacos played out a scoreless draw at “Agia Sophia” Stadium in what the Double-headed eagle of the South would consider a huge, missed opportunity to steer ahead of their title rivals.

Enosi grew into the contest, creating plenty of chances in the second half especially, though they ultimately were unable to break through the Piraeus outfit’s defences.

The outcome is disappointing for the home side who could have moved two points ahead of Panathinaikos with a win, while Olympiacos will be pleased at having protected their three-point lead over PAOK in third.

Aris booked their ticket to Europe after downing Volos 4-2 at “Kleanthis Vikelidis” ground, wrapping up fifth position which gives them entry into the Europa Conference League second qualifying round.

The Thessaloniki club went into the break two goals up, thanks to a brace from winger Luis Palma (3′, 44′ pen.) which took his tally to 13 league goals this campaign.

The Magnesia team halved the deficit early following the restart through defender Efstathios Tachatos, who slotted away his one-on-one encounter with Aris goalkeeper Julian Cuesta (50′).

Striker Andre Gray restored his side’s two-goal advantage six minutes later with a strong first-touch finish, having been set up by Palma.

The visitors again got back into the game via Nikolai Alho, who found the net in the 59th, though their night was made significantly more difficult when forward Milos Deletic saw a red card (64′).

Aris sealed the win with a final goal from winger Mateo Garcia (74′), with the result taking the hosts ten points clear of Volos and officially securing themselves of fifth place.

Greek Super League Ladder

Championship Group

1-Panathinaikos: 77

2-AEK: 77

3-Olympiacos: 67

4-PAOK: 64

5-Aris: 50

6-Volos: 40