Olympiakos have re-established their five-point lead at the top of the Super League thanks to a 2-0 home win over Iraklis on Wednesday as football recommenced after the winter break.
The Reds had struggled against the side from Thessaloniki in their three previous games, losing two and drawing one but Ernesto Valverde’s men were not in danger of dropping points in the first match of 2011.
David Fuster opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Dennis Rommedahl had his shot parried directly into the path of the Spaniard.
The Reds dominated the game, creating an abundance of chances and any scant hopes Iraklis had of getting back into the match were when Karim Soltani was sent off in the 74th minute.
Soltani broke into the box but went down under pressure from an Olympiakos defender.
The referee decided that the Iraklis forward had dived and showed him a second yellow card. Iraklis coach Marinos Ouzounidis protested the decision and was also ordered to the stands.
Olympiakos wrapped up the points in the 84th minute when Marko Pantelic fired a shot from outside the area into the top corner.
The win means Olympiakos have 39 points from 16 games. Panathinaikos in second have 34.
The defeat leaves Iraklis just above the relegation zone with 19 points.
The only other team to record a win on Wednesday were Asteras Tripolis, who beat Ergotelis 3-0.
Nigerian midfielder Chigozie Udoji opened the score in the 17th minute. Argentinean Emanuel Francou scored two in the second half to ensure the points remained in the Peloponnese.
PAOK and AEK were both held to draws, no doubt to the joy of Aris who won on Tuesday and are now just a point behind the two clubs.
PAOK were held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Panserraikos while AEK could only manage a 0-0 draw at home to Kerkyra.
PAOK and AEK both have 24 points.
Olympiakos Volou and Panionios also drew 0-0, leaving the Athenians still rooted in the relegation zone.
