It was goals galore in the Super League on Saturday as Olympiakos stretched their lead at the top but fan violence returned to mar the action on the pitch.
The Reds beat plucky Panserraikos 4-2 at home but PAOK’s 3-0 win at Olympiakos Volou was marked by clashes between the Thessaloniki team’s fans and riot police, which led to tear gas being used and seats being thrown onto the pitch.
The third game also proved to be a high-scoring affair as Atromitos beat visiting Kerkyra 4-2.
After a dour first half, which some commentators described as Olympiakos’s worst first 45 minutes at home this season, things sprung into life in the 53rd minute when Marko Pantelic scored the opener after showing some impressive skill in the box.
This would normally have been the trigger for the floodgates to open but second-bottom Panserraikos have showed this season that they have plenty of fighting spirit. A mad two-minute spell from the 66th minute saw the visitors take the lead.
First, youngster Giorgos Georgiadis, who has attracted the interest of AEK, equalized with a penalty, then he showed coolness on a counter attack to stun the Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium.
Ernesto Valverde’s men showed they were capable of comebacks of their own and managed to turn the game to their favour within a few minutes.
Albert Riera picked himself up after being brought down in the box on 70 minutes to tuck away the spot kick and make it 2-2.
Pantelic got his second with five minutes of normal time left after tapping home a cross from Dennis Rommedahl. Riera made it 4-2 on 90 minutes by curling a free kick into the top corner.
The win means Olympiakos have 45 points from 18 games, with Panathinaikos who play Kavala at home on Sunday, on 37 points.
The scoreline was also 4-2 at Atromitos but the goals were more spread out through the 90 minutes.
Ilias Anastasakos gave the home side the lead on 20 minutes but a minute later Kerkyra equalised through Christos Kalantzis.
Atromitos were back in front just seven minutes later through Anastasakos again.
Resolute Kerkyra showed why they have not been pushovers this season when they hit back for a second time on 54 minutes through Thanassis Tsigas.
Former Wolves and Wigan striker Henri Camara made it 3-2 on the hour-mark and Marcelo Sarmiento put Giorgos Donis’s men on a safe road to all three points with a fourth after 67 minutes.
The win was vital for Atromitos and lifts them six points clear of the relegation zone on 22 points. They pass Kerkyra, who are on 20 points.
PAOK moved onto 30 points in third place after a satisfying 3-0 win over Olympiakos Volou but the game was marred by the unrest before the kick-off, which had to be delayed slightly although there were no reports of injuries or arrests.
Defender Lino opened the scoring fort the visitors on 20 minutes and PAOK’s star player this season, Adelino Vierinha made it 2-0 just before half time.
Dimitris Salpigidis put the icing on the cake for the team from Thessaloniki on 87 minutes.
Olympiakos Volou remain on 22 points.