Panathinaikos has started 2025 on a tremendous high after downing PAOK, delivering their most impressive result yet of the league campaign to strengthen their position in the title race.
The “Trifylli” defeated the Thessaloniki giants 2-1 at the Olympic Stadium on Monday morning (AEDT) in the Greek Super League’s 17th round, moving (temporarily) into top spot for the first time this season.
PAOK shocked the hosts as they scored in the second minute of the contest, thanks to a composed finish into the bottom left by winger Andrija Zivkovic.
The Greens managed to cancel it out ten minutes later when a long ball by midfielder Nemanja Maksimovic found captain Fotis Ioannis, with the striker taking the ball around the goalkeeper and tapping it into an empty net.
The Thessaloniki giants were given a huge disadvantage on the hour mark when defender Baba Rahman was handed a second yellow, though they held firm to keep the “Trifylli” at bay.
Panathinaikos eventually went in front in the 90th minute following an excellent curling shot into the bottom right by substitute Azzedine Ounahi.
The result marks an important milestone for the Greens with it being their first derby win of the season.
It caps off an impressive run of seven league wins and one draw since the appointment of coach Rui Vitoria, which has now made the club a true challenger for the championship.
AEK emerged victorious in a high-scoring affair with Volos, winning 2-4 away to keep on the toes of their fellow title rivals.
Enosi opened the scoring in the 18th minute through midfielder Jens Jonsson, with the visitors extending their advantage early in the second period via forwards Levi Garcia (52′) and Anthony Martial (54′).
Volos managed to get one back through striker Mark Koszta (70′) before substitute forward Frantzdy Pierrot restored AEK’s three-goal lead (86′).
The Magnesia side had the final say after striker Pedro Conde found the back of the net (90+5′).
OFI stunned Aris with a 0-2 away triumph to put themselves just four points behind the Thessaloniki outfit on the ladder.
The Cretans took the lead in the 58th minute through a free kick goal by defender Borja Gonzalez, and they managed to double it soon after via striker Andrew Jung (70′).
Aris’ efforts to get back into the contest were complicated when substitute Alvaro Zamora received a straight red in the 78th minute (following a VAR check), and they soon earned another when centre half Fabiano was given a second yellow (89′).
Asteras Tripolis beat Atromitos 0-1 away, thanks to Oluwatobiloba Alagbe’s 79th minute winner, sealing the Arcadians’ third straight win in all competitions.
Levadiakos sealed an important 1-0 win over Panserraikos to climb up to tenth place.
The match was fiercely contested by both teams, with the game opening up in the 77th minute when Panserraikos midfielder Jeremy Gelin was given a straight red.
The “blue-greens” capitalised quickly as winger Giannis Gianniotas scored in the 83rd minute.
The hosts ended the game also with ten players after midfielder Ioannis Kosti earned a second booking (90′), though it did not stop them from ensuring the three points.
Kallithea secured their first victory of the season in new coach Stelios Malezas’ debut, beating Lamia 2-1 on Sunday morning in a crucial result that sees them go three points clear of their opponents in last.
The Athenian club went ahead in the 28th minute, thanks to a strike from outside the box by Javier Magro Matilla, and they managed to double it in the second half through Giannis Loukinas (52′).
Lamia halved the deficit in the 69th minute when midfielder Gustavo Furtado scored a free kick, though their momentum was halted after centre back Dimitrios Siovas committed a red card offence (75′).
Kallithea hung on to record a vital victory to lift the spirits of the whole team.
Olympiacos plays Panetolikos away in the round’s remaining game on Tuesday morning.
Greek Super League Ladder (games in hand)
1-Panathinaikos: 35
2-Olympiacos: 34 (16)
3-AEK: 34
4-PAOK: 33
5-Aris: 27
6-Panetolikos: 23 (16)
7-OFI: 23
8-Asteras Tripolis: 22
9-Atromitos: 19
10-Levadiakos: 17
11-Panserraikos: 17
12-Volos: 17
13-Kallithea: 12
14-Lamia: 9
