The fate of this season’s extremely competitive title race has finally been decided on the last matchday, with the crown placed on the Double-headed eagle of the South after a dominant display against Volos.
AEK soundly defeated the Magnesia club 4-0 in front of a packed out “Agia Sophia” Stadium on Monday morning (AEST) in the tenth (and final) round of the Greek Super League play-offs, with fans both inside and outside the ground celebrating their league triumph.
Enosi needed at least one point to officially secure the premiership and forward Steven Zuber’s tap-in sent the fans into a frenzy (16′), and teammate Mijat Gacinovic kept it going soon after through a well-worked finish into the right side of the net (33′).
Substitute Orbelin Pineda made it three after an excellent one-two movement with striker Levi Garcia before midfielder Damian Szymanski had the final say via an easy header from close range from a free kick delivery (85′).
The victory guaranteed AEK of their 13th league trophy and they now have their sights set firmly on earning the double by winning the Cup.
Panathinaikos v Aris
Panathinaikos played out a 1-1 draw with Aris at “Leoforos” Stadium in what was a tepid conclusion to a largely strong season for the Greens.
The “Trifylli” went ahead six minutes in after midfielder Laszlo Kleinheisler headed in Bernard’s free kick behind his body and into the net.
Winger Juan Iturbe brought it level for the visitors through a half-volley strike into the bottom left, with VAR awarding the goal after it was initially thought he handled the ball in the build-up.
Aris had a huge chance to take the lead late after earning a penalty, but goalkeeper Yuri Lodygin guessed successfully and dove to his right to keep out striker Aboubakar Kamara’s shot (77′).
The Panathinaikos faithful showed plenty of enthusiasm throughout the contest despite missing out on the ultimate prize, displaying utmost belief in Ivan Jovanic and the players to eventually earn the championship.
Olympiacos v PAOK
Olympiacos locked in third place with a tight 0-1 win over PAOK at “Toumba” Stadium, thanks to midfielder Diadie Samassekou’s bouncing header into the bottom right from Rodinei’s cross (33′).
The result means the Piraeus giants finish in third spot and will potentially obtain the Europa League qualifying place, should PAOK lose in the Cup final to AEK.
Lamia v Ionikos
Lamia launched a huge comeback to earn a 2-2 away draw with Ionikos on Sunday morning in the seventh (final) round of the play-outs, sending the Nikaia outfit down to the second division as a result.
It was a game of two halves and the desperation of the hosts was evident in their opening period display, taking a two-goal lead into the break.
Their first came on the half hour mark after winger Christos Eleftheriadis headed in the ball from a corner.
Midfielder Jose Alberto Canas doubled their advantage soon after with a phenomenal long-range strike that flew off his boot and into the top right off the underside of the crossbar (37′).
The Fthiotida club fought their way back into the match with an early second half goal, thanks to midfielder Christopher Nunez who tidily finished the ball along the ground into the bottom right (54′).
Lamia winger Zoran Tosic then stepped up to make it level with a fantastic, powerfully struck free kick into the top right (73′), with the Serbian sealing Ionikos’ fate exactly one week after he scored the goal that officially relegated Levadiakos.
OFI v Panetolikos
OFI bagged a 0-2 away success over Panetolikos to finish top of the relegation group.
The Cretans went ahead late into the fixture after a calamitous own goal wherein a cross from the right side deflected off left back Diamantis Chouchoumis and moved towards the net, with goalkeeper Joel Graterol stumbling and ultimately failing to keep it out (85′).
The second came in the final minute of play via a quick counter-attack which was finished off by substitute Sebastian Gronning, with the striker taking the ball past Graterol and hitting it into an empty goal (90+4′).
Asteras Tripolis vAtromitos
Asteras Tripolis and Atromitos finished their campaigns with a 1-1 stalemate.
The Arcadians scored first after forward Giorgos Kosteas struck the ball into the bottom right with his head from a corner.
The Peristeriotes equalised soon after through a wonderful long shot from the right wing by midfielder Andreas Kuen, who collected the ball following a corner and smacked it unexpectedly into the bottom left (54′).
Levadiakos v Giannina
Levadiakos concluded their stay in the top flight with a thrilling 3-3 home draw against Giannina.
Winger Giannis Gianniotas put the “blue-greens” in front (28′) before the Epirutans fought back with two goals in four minutes, first through striker Pedro Conde’s header (34′) and then via winger Kevin Rosero (38′).
The home side made it level right before the break, thanks to right back Triantafyllos Tsapras’ effort that just crossed the line (45+2′), and they soon reclaimed the lead following substitute Georgios Vrakas’ incredible free kick into the top left (77′).
Levadiakos held on to their advantage for only three minutes as Giannina clawed their way back once more, this time from midfielder Giorgos Pamlidis who headed the ball from a cross in what was the final decisive moment of the clash (80′).
Greek Super League Ladder
Championship Group
1-AEK: 83
2-Panathinaikos: 78
3-Olympiacos: 73
4-PAOK: 67
5-Aris: 51
6-Volos: 40
Relegation Group
1-OFI: 41
2-Atromitos: 38
3-Giannina: 38
4-Asteras Tripolis: 31
5-Panetolikos: 30
6-Lamia: 29
7-Ionikos: 27 (relegated)
8-Levadiakos: 26 (relegated)
