PAOK held its nerve in a penalty shoot-out to record a huge victory over Danish side FC Midtjylland and advance to the Europa Conference League’s round of 16.

The Thessaloniki giants came in to the match 1-0 down in the tie but managed to go ahead after scoring twice inside the first half hour, firstly through winger Andrija Zivkovic (20′) and then through captain Vieirinha (26′) who scored with a fantastic long-range finish.

Midtjylland brought the tie level at 2-2 with a header from substitute Daniel Hoegh (80′) to take the game to extra-time before penalties were called upon.

Goalkeeper Alexandros Paschalakis stepped up to send PAOK to the next round, saving the Danish side’s opening penalty from Max Meyer in the only unconverted spot-kick from either side.

Olympiacos suffered a devastating 0-3 home loss at the hands of Atalanta, losing the overall tie 1-5 and were knocked out of the Europa League in the process.

The Bergamo club found their first goal through advancing wing-back Joakim Maehle (40′) before Ukrainian midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi bagged two goals in quick succession (66′, 69′), the second being a brilliant effort from range.

Malinovskyi grabbed major attention when he removed his jersey after his first goal to reveal an undershirt which had written in black, “No War in Ukraine”.

Greek Super League weekend fixtures

AEK and Panathinaikos are preparing for a tense Athenian derby which holds extra importance for the Greens’ top-six hopes.

Enosi travels to “Leoforos” for the eagerly awaited clash on Monday morning (AEDT) in the Hellenic Championship’s 25th round with a chance to severely impair their opponent’s season.

Panathinaikos, currently fourth, has all to play for with their ambitions of a top-six finish in the balance, finding four teams within three points of them.

Olympiacos will be looking to put their European disappointment behind them when they play OFI at home and the Piraeus giants could hugely damage the Cretans’ campaign, who are among the clubs still fighting for a championship play-off spot.

PAOK goes head-to-head with Ionikos in Thessaloniki and they will be tired but confident after their European match, while the Nikaia side is hoping to keep up their form after decimating Apollon Smyrnis 4-0 on Thursday morning.

Asteras Tripolis clashes with Aris on Sunday morning in another season-defining match for both sides – especially for the Arcadians who have to play Olympiacos and AEK in their remaining fixtures.

Panetolikos and Volos face off in a precursor to the upcoming relegation play-outs where they each look well-placed to finish mid-table.

Giannina hosts Lamia on Tuesday morning with the crucial opportunity to put themselves ahead of the pack fighting for the top six.

Apollon Smyrnis welcomes Atromitos to Rizoupoli in a make-or-break fixture for the Light Brigade as they desperately try to claw off the bottom of the ladder.

Greek Super League Round 25 matches currently scheduled at time of publication

Asteras Tripolis – Aris: 02.15, Sun 27 Feb
Panetolikos – Volos: 04.30, Sun 27 Feb
PAOK – Ionikos: 02.15, Mon 28 Feb
Olympiacos – OFI: 04.30, Mon 28 Feb
Panathinaikos – AEK: 04.30, Mon 28 Feb
PAS Giannina – Lamia: 04.30, Tue 1 Mar
Apollon Smyrnis – Atromitos: 04.30, Tue 1 Mar