The battle for second has taken another turn as PAOK downed Panathinaikos to narrow the gap between the two clubs to one point.
The Thessaloniki giants came from behind to defeat the Greens 2-1 at “Toumba” Stadium on Monday morning (AEST) in the fourth round of the Greek Super League’s play-offs.
The “Trifylli” started the game perfectly with a third minute goal, thanks to a tap-in header from centre back Tin Jedvaj.
The “black-whites” managed to bring it level in the 35th minute after a corner kick found centre half Giannis Michailidis, who delivered a phenomenal strike into the top right corner.
PAOK then completed the turnaround in the 59th minute when playmaker Taison played through Mady Camara, with the midfielder guiding the ball into the bottom right corner.
The goal ensured the hosts of the win which keeps the fight for second in the balance heading into the final two matchdays.
AEK failed to gain ground themselves in the race for second after falling 0-2 at home to Olympiacos.
The champions made the most of their opportunities with goals from Kristoffer Velde in the 43rd minute and Roman Yaremchuk in the 74th minute making the hosts pay for failing to convert their own chances throughout the contest.
Enosi remains winless in the play-offs and now occupies fourth place after PAOK’s win, though two victories in the remaining clashes could still see them finish second which shows all hope is not yet lost.
Aris was held to a 1-1 away draw by Atromitos in their fifth-eighth play-offs clash on Sunday morning, delaying them from guaranteeing fifth place as a result.
The Thessaloniki side opened the scoring right in the 45+1st minute through chief marksman Loren Moron who, in addition to giving his side the lead, became the club’s all-time non-Greek goal scorer with 40.
The Peristeriotes managed to equalise in the 74th minute via striker Makana Baku, which was enough to ensure a point.
Asteras Tripolis scored a 0-2 away win against OFI to stay just in reach of fifth position.
The Arcadians owed their victory to two late goals, the first of which came in the 79th minute after Julian Bartolo had his penalty kick saved only to knock the ball in from the rebound.
Crespi then guaranteed the points with a goal in the 86th minute, bringing Asteras Tripolis to four points behind Aris which means they are still mathematically in the race for fifth.
The fifth matchday of the relegation play-outs will take place on Tuesday morning with Levadiakos to play Lamia, Panetolikos to face Kallithea (both 1 am) and Volos to host Panserraikos (3am).
The matches all hold jeopardy, particularly for Kallithea and Volos as the two sides fiercely fighting to avoid second last (Lamia is all but guaranteed to finish as the wooden spooners).
Greek Super League Ladder
Championship Group
1-Olympiacos: 69
2-Panathinaikos: 56
3-PAOK: 55
4-AEK: 53
Fifth-Eighth
5-Aris: 31
6-Asteras Tripolis: 27
7-Atromitos: 22
8-OFI: 18
Relegation Group (as of fourth matchday)
9-Panetolikos: 37
10-Levadiakos: 34
11-Panserraikos: 32
12-Volos: 27
13-Kallithea: 25
14-Lamia: 16
