The Double-headed eagle of the South has saved themselves from a second embarrassing result against a ten-man outfit this term, with a bit of Levi Garcia brilliance helping rescue a victory against OFI to preserve their place just behind Olympiacos.
AEK defeated OFI 1-2 away on Monday morning in the Greek Super League’s 14th round, vitally maintaining second in a matchday wherein all of Greece’s top clubs earned wins.
The Cretans were delivered a huge setback when a VAR check saw winger Thiago Nuss get given a straight red for hitting Moses Odubajo (21′).
OFI remarkably managed to strike first through Zisis Karachalios, who stunned AEK with a shot from range into the bottom right.
Enosi brought it level just before the break, thanks to a headed goal by centre half Harold Moukoudi (45+6′).
The second half was fiercely fought as OFI held strong, coming close to earning a draw until a fantastic dribble from striker Levi Garcia led to him setting up winger Anthony Martial for a tap-in winner in the 87th minute.
The goal helped AEK avoid dropping points against a ten-man side for the second time this season, having lost to Panserraikos in October, ensuring they remain just three points behind league leaders Olympiacos.
PAOK defeated Panserraikos 1-4 away, making the Serres club pay following an early red card to remain three points off Olympiacos.
The Thessaloniki giants had a fortunate start to the contest, going ahead three minutes in after defender Jason Davidson inadvertently headed the ball into his own net.
Panserraikos’ night took another turn for the worse when midfielder Paschalis Staikos received two yellow cards in the span of minutes to put the hosts down to ten players (19′).
PAOK winger Kiril Despodov doubled their advantage in the 36th minute before Baba Rahman made it three (66′), with the defender scoring his fifth goal this campaign in all competitions.
The Serres side managed to get one back through winger Juan Salazar (76′), but the “black-whites” restored the three-goal lead via substitute Shola Shoretire (87′) in what was the game’s final decisive moment.
Panathinaikos rescued a win at the very death against Asteras Tripolis, securing a 0-1 away success to ensure a positive start to the second half of the regular season.
The clash was hard-fought with each club producing chances to score that they ultimately were unable to seize.
The game seemed destined for a draw when, in the last minute of injury time, Mladenovic delivered a free kick from near the halfway line into the box which led to a winning header from substitute Alexander Jeremejeff (90+4′).
It was a desperately needed outcome for the Greens, who celebrated the victory fiercely which not only kept them in touching distance of the title race but also sealed payback for their loss in the reverse fixture.
Panetolikos battled their way to a 0-1 away triumph against Lamia, courtesy of a 15th minute strike from forward Andrija Majdevac.
Olympiacos downed Volos 3-0 on Sunday morning to extend their winning streak to five straight league games.
The “red-whites” broke through early in the third minute, thanks to chief marksman and league top scorer Ayoub El Kaabi, before youngster Charalampos Kostoulas doubled their lead (41′).
Winger Gelson Martins managed to put the game to bed with a strike in the 64th minute, with the goal awarded by VAR after an initial offside call.
Aris earned a crucial 2-1 victory over Atromitos to get back to winning ways after three straight defeats.
The Thessaloniki outfit opened the scoring 14 minutes in via right back Hugo Mallo, who scored with a shot from outside the box, and they made it two soon after when striker Loren Moron converted his penalty (36′).
The Peristeriotes got back into the contest early into the second half when captain Amr Warda scored his spot-kick (53′), though they were unable to bring it level.
The result was much-needed for Aris, who will hope the win can help them build towards regaining a place in the top four.
Kallithea hosts Levadiakos in the round’s final fixture on Tuesday morning.
Greek Super League Ladder (games in hand)
1-Olympiacos: 30
2-AEK: 27
3-PAOK: 27
4-Panathinaikos: 26
5-Aris: 24
6-Panetolikos: 22
7-Atromitos: 18
8-Asteras Tripolis: 16
9-Panserraikos: 16
10-OFI: 16
11-Volos: 14
12-Levadiakos: 10 (13)
13-Lamia: 9
14-Kallithea: 8 (13)
