AEK have recorded a crucial victory over PAOK in a huge derby between the double-headed eagles of Greek football, preserving the six-point gap between them and Panathinaikos who have stretched their historic league start to ten wins.
Enosi downed the Thessaloniki outfit 2-0 at “Agia Sophia” Stadium on Monday morning (AEDT) in the headline fixture of the Greek Super League’s tenth round.
Forward Levi Garcia put the hosts ahead in the 36th minute, finishing off a quick chance after a massive error by the PAOK defence which saw them dispossessed in their own box.
Midfielder Mijat Gacinovic then sealed the three points with a shot from close range (61′), helping his side to their seventh straight win in all competitions.
Two quickfire first-half goals guided Olympiacos to a 2-0 win over Lamia at “Georgios Karaiskakis” ground.
Star playmaker James Rodriguez put the Piraeus club ahead with a fantastic looping header (22′) before striker Cedric Bakambu latched onto an excellent pass from the backline to go one-on-one with goalkeeper Bojan Saranov, slotting it into the bottom right (28′).
Aris rescued a point to draw 1-1 against OFI at “Kleanthis Vikelidis” Stadium, continuing a poor run of form which has seen them win only once in their last five outings.
The Cretans took the lead in the 49th minute, thanks to a goal from midfielder Jon Toral, but Aris marksman Andre Gray stepped up with an amazing equaliser, scoring with a looping bicycle kick (56′).
Levadiakos earned their first win of the campaign, defeating Atromitos 2-1 at home in what they hope will kickstart their season.
The hosts pulled in front after a header from midfielder Giorgos Nikas (25′), though the Peristeriotes would go level via a wonderful long shot from winger Gaetan Robail (65′).
Levadiakos midfielder Thierry Rua Moutinho had a golden opportunity to restore their lead from the penalty spot, hitting the left post (74′), though teammate Michal Skvarka would tap the ball in five minutes later for the winning goal.
Panathinaikos punished Volos with a crushing 1-5 away victory on Sunday morning, taking them to their tenth consecutive triumph to open the season.
Winger Sebastian Palacios bagged the Greens’ first two goals with impressive efforts in the 39th and 44th minute respectively.
The “Trifylli” then found their third via a deflection from defender Joao Escoval following a shot from left back Juankar (63′), with midfielder Adam Gnezda Cerin then making it four (67′).
Frontman Andraz Sporar’s finish into the bottom right took them to five (76′) as Volos managed a consolation in the form of an Anthony Knockaert penalty down the middle (85′).
Ionikos was held to a 1-1 draw at home to Panetolikos to remain the only team without a win this term.
The Nikea started strongly, with striker Vasilios Mantzis finding the back of the net six minutes into the game, but Nikos Karelis soon cancelled it out with a successful penalty into the bottom right (30′).
Giannina will play Asteras Tripolis in the round’s final fixture on Tuesday morning.
Greek Super League Ladder (teams with a game in hand)
1-Panathinaikos: 30
2-AEK: 24
3-Olympiacos: 20
4-Volos: 20
5-PAOK: 16
6-Aris: 14
7-Panetolikos: 12
8-Atromitos: 11
9-Asteras Tripolis: 9 (9)
10-Lamia: 8
11-OFI: 7
12-Giannina: 6 (9)
13-Levadiakos: 6
14-Ionikos: 4