The fate of the European qualifying places has finally been decided, with Panathinaikos and Aris each recording major wins to take the final two remaining spots at the expense of AEK.
Aris launched an epic 3-2 home comeback triumph against Enosi on Sunday morning (AEST), bringing a dramatic end to the Athenians’ European ambitions in the ninth round of the Greek Super League play-offs.
Forward Levi Garcia bagged a quickfire brace to put the visitors two goals ahead, first with a brilliant finish off the left post from a tight angle (53′) and then through a rebound tap-in following a save from goalkeeper Julian Cuesta (58′).
Aris substitute Luis Palma got one back with a great strike into the bottom right (78′) before midfielder Daniel Mancini brought it level with a goal-line finish following a corner (85′). Playmaker Mateo Garcia completed the comeback (90+3′) to give the Thessaloniki club the victory, putting them three points ahead of AEK with a better head-to-head record.
Panathinaikos decimated Giannina 4-0 at “Leoforos” to qualify for Europe for the first time since the 2017/18 season. The Greens took the lead though midfielder Lucas Villafanez’s finish (37′) before his replacement, Mauricio, made it two with his effort from the edge of the box deflecting off a Giannina defender into the bottom right (68′).
Striker Carlitos struck the ball in for his tenth league goal (71′) and left back Juankar found the game’s final goal soon after with a bouncing effort from range deflecting into the bottom right (87′).
Olympiacos were forced to settle for a 1-1 home draw against PAOK, stretching the traveller’s winless streak in all competitions to eleven. The Thessaloniki outfit stunned the league champions early with a headed goal from midfielder Filipe Soares (2′). The Piraeus club equalised through midfielder Joao Carvalho (41′), with the goal setting up a tense final game for PAOK wherein Panathinaikos could take their place in second.
Ionikos defeated Panetolikos 3-1 at home on Monday morning in the seventh and final round of the play-outs, finishing top of the bottom half in the process. Midfielder Dalcio put the Nikaia side in front with a strike from the edge of the box (9′) but this was cancelled out by Nikos Karelis’ header (47′). Striker Thuram restored Ionikos’ lead (62′) before Vasilios Mantzis’ header (86′) secured the win.
Asteras Tripolis and Apollon Smyrnis played out a tough 2-2 draw to end their seasons. A header from striker Jeronimo Barrales put the Arcadians ahead (49′) before Sotiris Tsiloulis scored a close-range volley to bring it level (69′). Asteras substitute Walter Iglesias produced a wonderful long shot which landed in the bottom left (74′) to restore their lead but the Light Brigade again found an equaliser, this time through a corner header by striker Abiola Dauda (90+1′). Walter Iglesias suffered a straight red for a poor tackle to end the game’s proceedings.
Lamia and Atromitos held each other to a goalless draw, with the Fthiotida side now needing to prepare for a relegation play-off against second division side, Veria, to decide who plays in the top flight next season.
Volos thumped OFI on Sunday morning to finish their league campaign with a win. League top scorer Tom Van Weert added two final goals to his tally (12′, 29′) before his teammate Paolo Fernandes scored a magnificent free-kick off the left post (36′). Two headers from midfielder Kevin Roserio (65′, 81′) completed the annihilation of the Cretans.
Greek Super League Ladder
Championship Group
1-Olympiacos: 80
2-PAOK: 61
3-Panathinaikos: 61
4-Aris: 59
5-AEK: 56
6-PAS Giannina: 46
Relegation Group
1-Ionikos: 45
2-OFI: 44
3-Asteras Tripolis: 41
4-Volos: 40
5-Panetolikos: 37
6-Atromitos: 33
7-Lamia: 26
8-Apollon Smyrnis: 22
Greek Super League play-offs tenth round fixtures (AEST)
Championship Group
AEK-Olympiacos: 03.00, Wed 18 May
PAS Giannina-Aris: 03.00, Wed 18 May
PAOK-Panathinaikos: 03.00, Wed 18 May
