PAOK and Panathinaikos have finally gotten themselves something to celebrate in Europe after each sealing maiden wins in the League Phase, boosting their chances as they fight to qualify for the knockout rounds.
The Thessaloniki giants earned their debut victory in the fourth matchday of the UEFA Europa League after downing Rigas FS 0-2 away on Friday morning (AEDT), moving to four points and gaining important ground as they eye a finish in the top 24.
The visitors got off to the perfect start with a goal in the 2nd minute, courtesy of winger Kiril Despodov after he tapped in captain Andrija Zivkovic’s excellent pass across the goal.
Despodov then turned provider as he drilled a low ball into the six-yard box for striker Fyodor Chalov to knock in (59′).
Olympiacos was held to a 0-0 draw in their away clash with FCSB to move to eight points from their five Europa League matches, putting them in 14th place on the ladder.
Panathinaikos sealed a crucial win over HJK Helsinki to kickstart their Conference League campaign, defeating the Finnish outfit 1-0 at the Olympic Stadium in the fourth matchday of the competition.
The Greens dominated the first half, creating numerous chances that they failed to convert into goals.
The hosts eventually broke through in the 33rd minute when defender Sverrir Ingi Ingason hit the ball across goal, causing Helsinki captain Joona Toivio to slide in a desperate attempt to clear the ball as he ultimately guided it into his own net.
The goal proved sufficient for the “Trifylli” to finally get a win in the League Phase, taking them to four points to remain firmly in the mix for a top 24 finish.
APOEL beat Molde FK 0-1 away to earn their second win of the League phase, moving to seven points and significantly boosting their position within the top 24 (currently sitting in place).
The travellers went ahead right before the break, thanks to a corner header from centre half Konstantinos Laifis (41′).
Paphos fell just short in their away contest with Fiorentina, losing 3-2 to remain on six points.
The Italian side opened the scoring in the 38th minute, thanks to striker Christian Kouame, before an own goal by defender David Goldar saw them double their advantage (52′).
The Cypriot side got one back via marksman Jairo Da Silva (68′), though Fiorentina quickly struck again via midfielder Lucas Martinez Quarta (72′).
Paphos grabbed one late goal in the 87th minute through substitute Jaja.
Omonia suffered a 0-3 away loss to Legia Warszawa, keeping them stuck on three points earned from their four League Phase outings.
The Polish club went in front in the 17th minute through midfielder Ryoya Morishita before sealing complete control in the second half with two more strikes, courtesy of Mateusz Szczepaniak (77′) and Pawel Wszolek (85′).
The home side can take some comfort in the loss, given the Polish team have won all their Conference League games thus far.
