The reigning champions have escaped with a win for the second time this season while down to ten men, scoring a penalty deep into injury time to disappoint a valiant Atromitos outfit.

AEK bagged a 2-1 success against the Peristeriotes at “Agia Sophia” Stadium on Friday morning (AEST) in one of the last games of the Greek Super League’s sixth round, repeating their feat from their match with Volos earlier this month by securing the win via an injury time penalty.

All three goals came from the penalty spot, with AEK the first to score after winger Nordin Amrabat slotted his spot-kick into the right side of the net (31′)

The hosts had numerous chances to double their lead, though failed to convert them and Atromitos instead equalised after VAR awarded them a penalty following a last-man foul by defender Djibril Sidibe.

The Frenchman was sent off (88′) and substitute forward Karol Swiderski deposited his effort from the spot into the bottom left (89′).

AEK were given a late reprieve after playmaker Petros Mantalos was fouled in the box, with midfielder Mijat Gacinovic cheekily chipping his penalty attempt down the middle for the win (90+5′).

Panathinaikos avenged their loss to Enosi with a strong 1-4 away triumph over Asteras Tripolis.

The “Trifylli” took the lead early after defender Filip Mladenovic’s free kick deflected off teammate Willian Arao’s mid-section into the goal (5′), though the Arcadians swiftly drew level with a solid header by winger Nikolaos Kaltsas (7′).

Greens winger Benjamin Verbic restored their advantage after meeting Sebastian Palacios’ excellent cross on the volley, guiding the ball in from close range (31′).

Striker Andraz Sporar squandered a double chance to score, first having his penalty into the bottom right kept out by Nikolaos Papadopoulos before the goalkeeper popped back up to also save the Slovenian’s overhead kick (45+1′).

Sporar’s replacement, Fotis Ioannidis, made amends by burying his own penalty into the top left (80′) and the young forward got himself one more with a clever long shot on his left foot, curling the ball around Papadopoulos (who was well off his line) in the 87th minute to secure the points.

Panserraikos grabbed themselves another vital win, this time downing Giannina 3-2 at home as they continue to show promising signs that they can avoid relegation.

The Serres side surged in front after winger Kostas Pileas put his penalty effort into the bottom right (9′), though the Epirutans had a quick response as centre half Epameinondas Pantelakis headed the ball in off the underside of the crossbar from a free kick (11′).

Midfielder Paschalis Staikos put the home side ahead once more after his long shot dribbled past goalkeeper Boris Klaiman in what was terrible mistake, letting the ball in despite getting to it well in time to stop it (32′).

Giannina equalised again as left back Marios Tsaousis, who had advanced forward, struck the ball into the bottom right (62′), but Panserraikos had the final say after a cunning pass from a free kick released striker Kosta Aleksic, who then hit the ball into the bottom left (90′).

This proved to be the winner and the night ended worse for Giannina as midfielder Zisis Karachalios earned himself a red card for a professional foul deep into injury time (90+6′).

Panathinaikos to battle PAOK in crucial derby match

The “Trifylli” is scheduled for another huge fixture as they take on PAOK, with victory a must if they wish to keep in range of top spot.

Panathinaikos hosts the Thessaloniki giants at “Leoforos” Stadium on Monday morning (AEST) in the headline fixture of the Greek Super League’s seventh round, and the Greens cannot afford to drop points if they hope to stay close to the league leaders and bitter rivals, Olympiacos.

The Greens will take confidence from their midweek win over Asteras Tripolis, though they know that they have to perform in the bigger games as well to strengthen any potential title charge.

PAOK, on the other hand, is coming in with complete assurance in their abilities after winning their last three straight games, though they will certainly be eyeing this clash as a great opportunity to earn a major scalp.

Olympiacos will be hoping to potentially extend their lead in first when they travel to play Giannina, the Piraeus giants aiming to record their sixth win in the Hellenic championship.

AEK also goes away this weekend to face OFI on Tuesday morning as they hope to consolidate their successes over Panathinaikos and Atromitos with another three points, though the Cretans (currently sixth) will present a challenge after starting the season very strong.

Aris takes on Kifisia at “Kleanthis Vikelidis” ground on Monday morning as they strive to bounce back from a humbling loss to Olympiacos in the midweek round.

Volos is preparing for a visit from Panserraikos in the other Monday morning fixture, and the Magnesia outfit will accept nothing less than three points after failing to win in every league game so far.

Lamia challenges another winless side in Panetolikos at “Athanasios Diakos” ground on Sunday evening, with the Fthiotida club no doubt aiming to extend their opponents’ misery and grab their first victory since beating Aris a month ago.

Atromitos competes with Asteras Tripolis at home in a bid to get their maiden success this term and get out of the bottom two.

Greek Super League Rd 7 fixtures (AEST)

Lamia-Panetolikos: 23.00, Sun 01 Oct

Volos-Panserraikos: 00.30, Mon 02 Oct

Aris-Kifisia: 01.30, Mon 02 Oct

Panathinaikos-PAOK: 03.30, Mon 02 Oct

Giannina-Olympiacos: 04.30, Mon 02 Oct

Atromitos-Asteras Tripolis: 02.00, Tue 03 Oct

OFI-AEK: 04.00, Tue 03 Oct