Panathinaikos has halted Olympiacos’ assent to conquer another championship, beating their arch-rivals in what is their most crucial win of the season.
After two draws earlier in the season, it was the “Trifylli” that earned the first victory in the derby of their “eternal enemies”, defeating the Piraeus side 1-0 at “Leoforos” on Monday morning (AEST) in the premier match of the play-offs’ fifth round.
Panathinaikos winger Aitor Cantalapiedra was the hero of the game, providing the finish for a fantastic team goal (42′), handing Olympiacos only their second league loss in a result which even made the Greens’ “emotionless” manager, Ivan Jovanovic, smile and cheer in absolute ecstasy.
Aris bagged a crucial 1-0 home derby success over PAOK to protect their place in third, handing their rivals their fourth consecutive loss in all competitions in the process. The yellow-blacks scored what proved to be the winner through a corner header from midfielder Cheick Doukoure (17′), with PAOK suffering a late casualty in defender Enea Mihaj being sent off for a second yellow (71′).
Lamia have come in even closer danger of relegation after Ionikos defeated them 0-1 away in the fourth round of the play-outs. Vasilios Mantzis scored the lone goal of the fixture with a header (31′), making the Fthiotida side fall to only one point ahead of last place.
Atromitos secured their safety from relegation after their 1-1 home draw against OFI on Sunday evening. The Peristeriotes took the lead through forward Viktor Klonaridis (10′) before the Cretans drew level via a tap-in from striker Luiz Phellype (48′).
Panetolikos and Asteras Tripolis held each other to a goalless draw on Sunday morning.
Apollon Smyrnis fought their way to a 1-1 home draw against Volos on Saturday night (AEST) to gain further ground on Lamia. The Magnesia side went ahead through an effort from midfielder Paolo Fernandes (59′) before striker Abiola Dauda equalised for the Light Brigade (81′), earning another point in their desperate fight to avoid straight relegation.
The match between Giannina and AEK will be played on Tuesday morning.
Greek Super League Ladder (teams with a game in hand in brackets)
Championship Group
1-Olympiacos: 70 (30)
2-PAOK: 59 (30)
3-Aris: 53
4-Panathinaikos: 51
5-AEK: 48 (30)
6-PAS Giannina: 42 (30)
Relegation Group
1-OFI: 41
2-Asteras Tripolis: 40
3-Ionikos: 36
4-Volos: 35
5-Panetolikos: 33
6-Atromitos: 31
7-Lamia: 21
8-Apollon Smyrnis: 20
Greek Super League upcoming fixtures currently scheduled (Dates TBC)
Championship Group
Olympiacos-PAS Giannina
Panathinaikos-Aris
PAOK-AEK
Relegation Group
Asteras Tripolis-Lamia
Volos-Atromitos
Ionikos-Apollon Smyrnis
OFI-Panetolikos
