The championship has returned to Thessaloniki for the first time in five years, with PAOK securing the trophy following an historic victory inside Aris’ own backyard.
PAOK scored a 1-2 triumph over their crosstown rivals at “Kleanthis Vikelidis” Stadium on Monday morning (AEST) in the tenth and final round of the Greek Super League play-offs, earning their fourth premiership as a club in the process.
The “black-whites” broke through their opponents’ defence on the half hour mark via striker Brandon Thomas, a goal that helped them go into the break in front.
The second half started with a bang as Aris striker Loren Moron found an equaliser in the 47th minute, adding further tension to the title race.
PAOK eventually regained the lead, thanks to a goal from playmaker Taison (62′), before they suffered a slight disadvantage when centre half Giannis Michailidis was sent off for a second yellow (78′).
The “black-whites” held on despite having a player less on the field as they secured the title, making them league champions for the first time since the 2018/19 season.
AEK soundly beat Lamia 3-0 at “Agia Sophia” ground to wrap up another very positive campaign.
Enosi, who was still in contention for the premiership going into this game, got off to a strong start as they found the back of the net twice in the first period.
The first goal came in the 20th minute through midfielder Robert Ljubicic, with forward Steven Zuber doubling their lead soon after (40′).
Midfielder Damian Szymanski wrapped up the contest at the death (90+3′), capping off AEK’s valiant effort towards earning back-to-back premierships.
A stellar performance from Daniel Podence helped Olympiacos earn a comeback 2-2 draw against Panathinaikos at “Leoforos” Stadium, with the “red-whites” procuring third place as a result.
The Greens came into this game with their third manager this season after Fatih Terim’s departure, and the side showed signs of improvement as they created chances in the first half to no avail.
They did manage to go into the break ahead, thanks to a penalty goal from midfielder Anastasios Bakasetas in the bottom left (45+4′).
The “Trifylli” then made it two when two of their departing players combined in the 59th minute, with left back Juankar passing to playmaker Bernard before the Brazilian struck the ball into the bottom left from outside the box.
The Piraeus giants needed a hero and winger Podence stepped up massively, playing a crucial role in two goals to bring the contest back level.
The Portuguese forward first scored a beautiful goal as he found the top left corner with a lovely long shot (73′) before turning provider for the second as he delivered a cross that was headed in by striker Stevan Jovetic (81′).
Podence’s match finished prematurely as he was sent off for a second yellow in the 89th minute, though his work had been done by that point and his efforts helped secure third place and thus guarantee his club of a spot in European qualifying next season.
Panathinaikos will now have to beat Aris in the Greek Cup final to earn a place in the European qualifying round, a task much easier said than done.
Greek Super League Ladder
Championship Group
1-PAOK: 80
2-AEK: 78
3-Olympiacos: 74
4-Panathinaikos: 72
5-Aris: 55
6-Lamia: 35
