An extra time strike has guided AEK into the semi-finals of the Greek Cup, silencing the PAOK faithful as they now prepare to face either Panathinaikos or Olympiacos in the next stage.
Enosi fought their way to a 1-1 draw with the Thessaloniki giants at Toumba Stadium on Friday morning (AEDT), ensuring a 2-1 triumph across the two legs to progress to the final four.
The game was filled with dramatic moments with the first coming when PAOK equalised the tie in the 90+1st minute of the contest, thanks to winger Andrija Zivkovic.
The goal forced the game into extra time wherein AEK stunned the home crowd via defender Moses Odubajo, who struck the ball from the edge of the box into the back of the net (107′).
PAOK pushed to draw level again without success as they were resigned to a Cup exit.
OFI secured their spot in the semi-finals with a 1-2 away win over Panachaiki (7-1 on aggregate), with the Cretans set to face Asteras Tripolis for a chance to make the final.
The visitors went ahead in the 13th minute of the contest through Emmanouil Faitakis, with the attacking midfielder bagging a goal on his professional debut.
Panachaiki managed to equalise early into the second period via Luis Madrigal (53′), though it was short-lived as OFI forward Taxiarchis Fountas restored his side’s lead in the 61st minute in what proved to be the winning goal.
Greece’s clubs will quickly turn their attention back to the league for the 18th round of the Greek Super League, which will be spearheaded by Olympiacos hosting Aris on Sunday morning.
The Piraeus giants will be eager to earn maximum points as they strive to preserve their place in first.
Aris will be desperate to avoid a third straight defeat as they attempt to leave “Georgios Karaiskakis” ground with a result.
The other top teams will be hopeful they can secure wins in their easier fixtures by comparison on Monday morning, though some fatigue caused by midweek Cup games could have an impact.
Panathinaikos will be particularly keen to down Panserraikos away with the Greens going into the game with an extra day’s rest compared to PAOK and AEK.
The Thessaloniki giants will host Volos in what they would still aim to be a victory (especially given their Cup heartbreak), with Enosi also set for a home clash against Kallithea.
Lamia is searching for their first league win since the opening round when they take on Atromitos at “Athanasios Diakos” ground, with the Fthiotida side needing to overturn their horrid form that has seen them fall to last place.
Asteras Tripolis is set to face Panetolikos at home on Tuesday morning in what looms as an interesting clash between sixth and eighth, with the Arcadians having a golden chance to ascend past the Canaries on the ladder.
OFI, the team sandwiched between Asteras Tripolis and Panetolikos, plays Levadiakos at home as they aim to seal maximum points and potentially go clear of the clubs either side of them on the ladder.
Greek Super League Round 18 fixtures (AEDT)
Olympiacos-Aris: 5.30am, Sun 12 Jan
Panserraikos-Panathinaikos: 1.30am, Mon 13 Jan
Lamia-Atromitos: 2am, Mon 13 Jan
PAOK-Volos: 4.30am, Mon 13 Jan
AEK-Kallithea: 5.30am, Mon 13 Jan
Asteras Tripolis-Panetolikos: 3am, Tue 14 Jan
OFI-Levadiakos: 3am, Tue 14 Jan
