AEK’s top-two hopes dashed as Olympiacos rifles late winner

AEK’s dreams of a top-two finish have been all but dashed after Olympiacos scored late to take all three points in the derby clash.

The Piraeus giants managed a 1-0 home win over Enosi in the Hellenic championship’s 23rd round to go one step closer to an entire unbeaten league campaign in the regular season.

The match was a tight affair, but the league leaders found the decisive goal through midfielder Yann M’Villa from a corner, hitting the back of the net on his second attempt (84’).

PAOK capitalised on AEK’s slip-up with a 1-0 victory of their own against Atromitos in Thessaloniki thanks to centre-back Jose Angel Crespo’s headed winner, stretching their lead over their rivals to eight points.

Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis steered his club to a 2-0 victory at home over Lamia to finally put an end to their three-match losing streak. Ioannidis scored both goals of the match, a header from a corner (3’) and a thunderous long-range strike which soared into the top right corner (82’).

READ MORE: AEK hopes rest on daunting derby victory over rampant Olympiacos

Giannina ensured a vital three points against Aris on Tuesday morning, beating them 2-0 at home, resulting in the exit of the visitors’ coach, Akis Mantzios.

The “Ajax” of Epirus were fortunate in getting their first goal after a header deflected off the right post, on the inside of keeper Marios Siampanis’ shoulder and into the net (51’). They bagged their second following a scramble in which midfielder Juan Dominguez’ shot just crossed the line (83’).

OFI recorded a 2-1 victory against Volos in Crete to continue their push for a top-half finish. OFI went 2-0 up after defender Praxitelis Vouros’ header (19’) and midfielder Jon Toral’s effort (33’).

The Magnesia side bounced back through midfielder Paolo Fernandes’ great goal from distance (51’) before Jean Barrientos got himself sent off for a second yellow card (71’).

The Cretans bagged all three points despite winger Lazaros Lamprou’s penalty being saved by keeper Boris Klaiman (86’).

Asteras Tripolis was stunned with a 2-3 home loss on Sunday morning (AEDT) at the hands of Ionikos, bringing an end to their five-match winning streak.

The hosts went ahead early through midfielder Eneko Capilla (6’) and held well until their defender, Pepe Castano, was sent off for committing a professional foul (61′). Ionikos midfielder Aias Aosman buried the resulting penalty in the 63rd minute.

The Nikaia side went on to score twice more, four minutes later, through winger Reinaldo Lenis (67’), and then through substitute Giorgios Manalis (90+8’). A final moment of the match fell to substitute forward Crespi who brought one goal back for the Tripoli club (90+10’).

Apollon Smyrnis and Panetolikos were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw with both failing to earn much-needed victories.