PAOK has moved into outright first position after downing title rivals Panathinaikos in what is a huge boost to their championship chances.
The Thessaloniki giants beat the “Trifylli” 2-1 at “Toumba” Stadium on Monday Morning (AEDT) in the Greek Super League’s 20th round, giving them now a two-point advantage over AEK.
PAOK found their first in the 43rd minute after a rapid counter-attack saw winger Kiril Despodov played through, with the Bulgarian depositing the ball into the bottom left.
The Greens equalised early into the second half when playmaker Anastasios Bakasetas converted a penalty (51′), bagging his debut goal for the club in the process, but PAOK would regain the lead minutes later from another quick attack that was finished by Despodov (56′).
Both teams produced further chances, with PAOK notably pressing very hard from the front in search of a third, though neither side was able to score again.
The result is massive in the context of PAOK’s title push as they look for their first premiership since the 2018/19 season.
AEK scored a 3-0 triumph over OFI at “Agia Sophia” Stadium to jump into second place on the ladder.
Enosi forward Ezequiel Ponce powered the hosts to a two-nil lead with strikes in each half (28′, 68′) before his replacement, Tom Van Weert, wrapped up the contest with a last-minute finish (90+6′).
Olympiacos defeated Giannina 3-1 at “Georgios Karaiskakis” ground for their third straight league victory.
Centre half Andreas Ntoi gave the “red-whites” their opening goal in the 57th minute with a fantastic long-range effort before striker Fran Navarro doubled their lead (65′), the goal being awarded by VAR after an initial offside call.
The Epirutans got one back through striker Pedro Conde’s spot-kick (76′), but the Piraeus club would guarantee the three points with an injury time goal from substitute Stevan Jovetic (90+3′).
Asteras Tripolis earned a 3-1 home win over Atromitos to preserve their position in the top six.
The Arcadians pulled ahead through winger Crespi (19′) and managed to protect their lead after Atromitos forward Nikos Vergos failed to convert his penalty (35′).
Crespi scored again to make it two (53′) for the hosts before an own goal from centre back Pepe Castano (64′) gave the Peristeriotes a chance to get back into the game.
Winger Nikos Kaltsas scored in the 77th minute to restore the two-goal lead for Asteras Tripolis, which proved to be the clash’s final decisive moment.
A 17th minute strike from winger Giannis Fetfadtzidis helped Aris record a 0-1 away success against Kifisia on Sunday morning.
Lamia sealed a 1-2 away victory over Panetolikos to continue their impressive form that has seen then amount ten points from their last five games.
Forward Flosard Malci opened the scoring after heading in a free kick delivery from Carlitos (11′) before Panetolikos equalised through wing back Charis Mavrias (46′).
The Fthiotida side restored their advantage after midfielder Christopher Nunez finished off a counter-attack, slotting the ball into the net to secure the three points (82′).
Volos struck at the death to ensure a 2-2 away draw against Panserraikos.
The Magnesia club went ahead just before half time via a goal from winger Jasin Assehnoun (45+2′).
The Serres outfit then struck twice within a ten-minute period to take the lead, with centre half Konstantinos Thymianis converting a penalty (50′) and right back Panagiotis Deligiannidis hitting the ball in from a cross (60′).
Volos brought it back level deep into injury time, courtesy of a penalty from striker Juan Manuel Garcia (90+4′).
Greek Super League Ladder
1-PAOK: 47
2-AEK: 45
3-Panathinaikos: 44
4-Olympiacos: 41
5-Aris: 33
6-Asteras Tripolis: 29
7-Lamia: 27
8-Atromitos: 23
9-Panserraikos: 22
10-OFI: 20
11-Volos: 15
12-Panetolikos: 14
13-PAS Giannina: 12
14-Kifisia: 12
