The stage has been set for an epic decider at “Georgios Karaiskakis” ground next month after neither Panathinaikos nor Olympiacos was able to grab an advantage in their Greek Cup quarter-final tie first leg.
The two “eternal enemies” of Hellenic football played out a 1-1 stalemate at the Olympic Stadium on Thursday morning (AEDT), ensuring everything remains level in their tie as they now await the decider on 5 February.
The “Trifylli” broke through in the 51st minute following a costly error at the back by the “red-whites”.
Goalkeeper Alexandros Paschalakis delivered a risky pass to his teammate that was intercepted near the edge of the box by playmaker Filip Djuricic, with the Serbian taking it into the box and slotting it past him into the goal.
Olympiacos eventually recovered from the mistake, thanks to a finish by substitute Roman Yaremchuk wherein the Ukrainian drilled the ball from a tight angle through goalkeeper Yuri Lodygin’s legs and into the back of the net (75′).
Both teams produced opportunities to win it late with the greatest chance falling to Greens winger Daniel Mancini, who pounced on a rebound from a Paschalakis save in what looked like a guaranteed goal before the keeper rose quickly and kept out his shot as well.
Panathinaikos will have to put the game behind them given the quick turnaround between the Cup match and their derby with AEK in an action-packed 19th round of the Greek Super League that could prove quite revealing about many teams’ title chances.
The “Trifylli” hosts AEK at the Olympic Stadium on Monday morning in what stands as an important test of both sides’ title push, with victory of equal importance to each team.
The Greens arguably have a little more riding on the contest as they are also seeking revenge following their 2-0 loss to their Athenian rivals in the reverse fixture.
A win for Enosi would guarantee they remain at least three points behind league leaders Olympiacos and potentially less if the “red-whites” somehow lose or draw.
In addition to that derby, the round will also see the two Thessaloniki clubs in PAOK and Aris face off at “Kleanthis Vikelidis” ground.
The result is of great significance for PAOK and their own championship ambitions, with last week’s loss to the Greens seeing them fall seven points off top spot.
The Double-headed eagle of the North cannot afford to concede any more ground in the title race, meaning they will need to muster great strength and defeat their crosstown rivals in their own backyard.
Olympiacos will monitor the results of the two derbies closely, though their priority will be to secure the win when they travel to face Atromitos.
Like all of Greece’s top clubs, the Piraeus giants have had some costly results against lower-placed opposition this season.
They will be desperate for that not to happen this matchday given that at least one of their closest challengers on the table is guaranteed to drop points, giving them a great chance to claim an even greater lead in first.
Panetolikos hosts OFI in a bid to reclaim their place in sixth after some recent poor form allowed the Cretans and Asteras Tripolis to ascend past them.
The Arcadians will themselves be keen to earn an away win over Levadiakos to extend their three-game winning streak and potentially move into fifth in the event Aris lose in the derby.
Kallithea is all set to fight for their second league victory when they play Volos at home in the round opener on Sunday morning.
Lamia is likewise seeking their second league win (and their first since the first round) when they travel to take on Panserraikos on Tuesday morning.
The Fthiotida side desperately need to turn their season around, currently sitting in last with a measly nine points, and the Serres outfit is a perfect team for them to gain a win with them being in 12th place.
Greek Super League Round 19 fixtures (AEDT)
Kallithea-Volos: 2am, Sun 19 Jan
Atromitos-Olympiacos: 12am, Mon 20 Jan
Panetolikos-OFI: 1.30am, Mon 20 Jan
Levadiakos-Asteras Tripolis: 1.30am, Mon 20 Jan
Aris-PAOK: 4am, Mon 20 Jan
Panathinaikos-AEK: 5.30am, Mon 20 Jan
Panserraikos-Lamia: 3am, Tue 21 Jan