Super League Trophy gets a Sleek New Look
By: Peter Katsiris |
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It has had many makeovers in recent years, but the top prize in Greek football, the Greek Super League trophy, underwent another change this week as the Hellenic Footbal Federation the sleek looking Super League trophy set to be handed out at season’s end.
The General Manager of the Greek Super League Board, Patrick Komninos, introduced the new design to the Super League title. “The trophy chosen by the Governing Council aims to enhance the visual identity of the OPAP Championship,” said Komninos.
The new design was voted on by the Super League Board, and the decision was revealed on Thursday.
“We want to reward the Champions with a recognizable trophy, which also reflects the image of the Super League,” continued Komninos.
“The trophy will be awarded for five seasons, starting with this year’s championship. We hope to establish the true identity of the Super League in the minds of fans alike.”
Olympiacos are the clear favourites to secure their fifth consecutive title, twelfth in the last thirteen years, and become the first club to claim the new trophy. The Piraeus giants lead Thessaloniki side PAOK by nine points with six matchdays remaining on the Super League schedule.
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Greek Cup Review: Shock in Athens, derby drama in Piraeus
By: Peter Katsiris | Add Comments
On the final night of the Greek Cup quarter-finals there was plenty of suspense in Athens, Piraeus and Tripolis as the field of clubs vying for domestic silverware was reduced to four teams. With AEK already booking their place in the next round with an away goals win over Skoda Xanthi last week, there were only three spots left up for grabs on Wednesday night.
Asteras Tripolis FC 1-0 Panionios GSS FC
(Asteras Tripolis FC advances 2-0 on aggregate)
Bastia 34′
The action started in Tripoli as Asteras Tripolis aimed to uphold a 1-0 aggregate lead over Panionios in front of their home fans. The hosts didn’t wait for their opponents to level the aggregate score-line as Adrian Bastia put Asteras up 1-0 in the match, 2-0 on aggregate, and prematurely into the ensuing round when he struck just past the half-hour mark.
Despite having both Alvaro Recoba and Faian Estoyanoff in the line-up, Panionios was unable to solve a steeled Asteras defense. Panagiotis Stamatopoulos’ men failed to survive to reach the next round of the Greek Cup. A momentous win for Nikos Kostenoglou’s was the main story, however, as the Arcadian club is happily distracted from the relegation battle in the Super League with their first ever appearance in the semi-finals of the Greek Cup.
Panathianikos FC 2-3 Panserraikos FC
(Panserraikos advances 3-2 on aggregate)
Baykara 23′, Ceh 56′ (pen.), 71′ – Christodoulopoulos 75′, 90′ + 3′
In Athens, Panathinaikos was expected to easily dispose of Panserraikos after the two sides played to a 0-0 draw in Serres. The visitors, however, jumped to an early lead and were on pace for a rout of their hosts until Henk Ten Cate’s side pulled back two goals to make the result respectable, but not enough for a ticket into the next round.
Panserraikos grabbed an early lead through Deniz Baykara’s twenty-third minute goal, after the Turkish midfielder combined with team-mate Patrick Zoundi to slip past Panathinaikos defender Loukas Vyntra and slot a perfect strike past ‘keeper Mario Galinovic.
The deficit grew by a further goal for the traveling ‘Liontaria’ when Nastja Ceh converted a penalty after Vyntra had committed a foul on Giorgos Pipinis in the Panathinaikos box. The Slovenian didn’t need a spot kick to add his second of the match on seventy-one minutes. Sotiris Konstantinidis did most of the work before shuffling off the ball for the wide open Ceh, who in turn made no mistake as he beat Galinovic for the second time in fifteen minutes.
A gloomy silence fell over the Athenian crowd that expected an untroubled passage into the next round. The ever stubborn Lazaros Christodoulopoulos took matters into his own hands with a response for Panathinaikos on seventy-five minutes with a slick finish off a free-kick for the former U-21 Greece international.
A brace for the former PAOK striker was elusive until the third minute of stoppage time as another individual effort from Christodoulopoulos concluded with another goal for Panathinaikos. Speeding down the flank and then into the Panserraikos box, the 22-year old fired a shot towards the goal, and with a little help from Panserraikos Anastasios Papazoglou the visitors’ lead was reduced to just one.
Although Panathinaikos had picked up momentum in the last quarter of an hour, the effort was simply too little too late for the Athenians, who shockingly crashed out of the Greek Cup, while Panserraikos progresses to the next round.
Olympiacos CFP 2-0 PAOK FC
(Olympiacos advances 2-1 on aggregate)
Diogo 46′, Derbyshire 108′
In Piraeus the derby between Olympiacos and PAOK was renewed at the Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium. The hosts had lost the first leg thanks to Sergio Conceicao’s chipped effort giving PAOK the edge at the Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki.
Having already traveled to the port city for a Super League meeting, PAOK’s 2-0 defeat to Olympiacos ahead of the New Year was a worrying point for manager Fernando Santos. His side were forced to remain in a defensive shell for most of the match, but that didn’t stop Olympiacos from putting a couple ticks on the scoreboard.
After a frustrating first-half, Diogo put Olympiacos on the right track just one minute after the interval. The Brazilian accurately directed his header past PAOK ‘keeper Kostas Chalkis when a pinpoint cross from Luciano Galletti came calling for the former Portuguesa striker.
Despite Olympiacos’ early breach of the PAOK barricades had levelled the aggregate score, the highly desired second goal was far more elusive for thedefensing Greek Cup Champions. They did, however, gain an obvious advantage when Pablo Contreras and Vladimir Ivic picked up their second caution of the night ahead of the eighty-minute mark.
Down to nine men, and needing a goal, progression looked out of the question for PAOK as Ernesto Valverde’s Olympiacos looked to stamp their ticket into the round. It took them a bit of time, however, as PAOK’s pesky defending forced extra time in ‘Limani’.
The wait was over when Matt Derbyshire headed home a misguided effort from Galletti. The young Englishman was an early second-half substitute for Christos Patsatzoglou, but his presence wasn’t felt until the on-loan Blackburn Rovers forward imposed his name on the scoreboard on one-hundred and eight minutes.
There was no comeback for PAOK as Olympiacos clamped down in defense; derailing the promising bid from PAOK to reach the semi-finals.
With the win, Olympiacos sets up a semi-final meeting with Asteras Tripolis, while Panserraikos’ fairy tale run continues with another visit to the OAKA Spyros Louis Stadium to take on AEK.
Greek Wrap (…not a gyro) Round 24: A Dose of the Eternal Derby
By: Peter Katsiris | 1 Comment
The 100th edition of the Eternal Derby between archrivals Olympiacos and Panathinaikos stole most of the headlines during this weekend’s action in the Greek Super League, but there were seven other matches that made some impact on the Greek table as crunch time resumed in the Greek top flight. While the league may be settled thanks to a commanding lead for Olympiacos at the top of the table, the race for the playoffs is still out in the open, and so too is the dreaded drop to the relegation zone.
Larissa FC 3-2 Ergotelis FC
Zurawski 15′, Fotakis 47′ Guela 54′ – Fernandes 34′, Budimir 82′
A five goal thriller in Larissa ended with Ergotelis dropping a result to Larissa as the weekend’s action got off to a rampant start with Saturday’s matinee match. The hosts took the lead after the quarter-hour mark as Maciej Zurawski shot past Zsolt Posza to give the ‘Vyssini’ an early lead. Mauricio Fernandes levelled the score-line just past the half-hour mark as Ergotelis clawed back with an equalizer ahead of the interval.
It took just two minutes after the restart for Larissa to reclaim their one-goal advantage thanks to a strike from Giorgos Fotakis. Did’dy Guela put the hosts on pace for three points with his fifty-fourth minute tally, but that wasn’t enough to discourage Mario Budimir from setting up a tense finale when he found the back of the net on eighty-two minutes.
Marinos Ouzounidis’ Larissa secured the win despite a late revival by the Cretans, and extended their unbeaten streak to thirteen games. Ergotelis manager Nikos Karageorgiou was left frustrated as his side were unable to translate confidence from last weekend’s win over league leaders Olympiacos.
Next weekend Larissa will take their unbeatable run to Athens to meet with Panathinaikos, while Ergotelis’ road trip continues when they face Thrasyvoulos in Fyli.
Aris FC 2-1 Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC
Campora (pen.) 35′, Wlodarczyk 90′ + 1′ – Prittas (o.g.) 3′
It took a late strike from Piotr Wlodarczyk for Aris to fend off a pesky Thrasyvoulos at the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium in Thessaloniki. The hosts had to fight their way back to claim maximum points.
Sakis Tsiolis’ Thrasyoulos was given a dream start when Aris defender Athanassios Prittas turned the ball into his own net off a Wellington corner.
They were lashed with reality soon after the half-hour mark as Javier Campora slotted home a penalty kick to equalize for the hosts.
When Nikos Karmbelas was shown his second caution of the night, it appeared Aris’ chances of bagging three points were severely dented just past the hour mark.
Iomar Mazinho’s side weren’t discouraged, however, as Aris finally grabbed the lead in the first minute of stoppage time as a somewhat Wlodarczyk somewhat clumsily deposited Neto’s pinpoint cross to give ‘O Theos tou Polemou’ a dramatic win in front of their home supporters.
The win snapped a two-game winless streak for Aris, but Thrasyvoulos’ losing streak was extended to a woeful seven games. They’ll look to snap the streak and improve their bid to escape the dreaded relegation when Ergotelis visits Fyli. Aris faces a trip south to Tripoli for a meeting with Asteras Triplis.
AEK Athens FC 2-1 Skoda Xanthi FC
Edinho 10′, Blanco 49′ – Poy 57′
Just days after their Greek Cup encounter, AEK entertained Skoda Xanthi at the OAKA Spyros Louis Stadium for the second time in four days, and like their midweek meetin in Athens, AEK edged the Thracian outfit with a slim one-goal win.
On Wednesday, it was a late goal from Ismael Blanco that gave AEK a 1-0 win to clinch progress to the semi-finals of the Cup. On Saturday, Dusan Bajevic’s side took an early lead through Edinho. The Brazilian made the most of a through pass from Blanco to beat Michael Gspurning.
Soon after the interval, Blanco put the game further out of Xanthi’s reach with a forty-ninth minute tally. The Argentine was sent in on a breakaway via a hail-marry pass from Sotiris Kyrgiakos, and made no mistake with his effort; however, a look at the replay indicated Blanco was offside when Kyrgiakos launched the ball towards the striker – it didn’t matter, the goal stood.
Eight minutes after they were undone by a questionable goal, Xanthi grabbed a goal back through Mauro Poy. Charilaos Pappas initiated the play with a through pass to the flank for Giannis Papadimitriou, and the latter cheekily slotted home a goal for the visitors.
There was no comeback in store, however, as AEK held on to claim their second victory against Xanthi in less than a week.
The Athenians will travel to Panserraikos next weekend in hopes of sealing a playoff berth in Serres, while Xanthi looks to inch closer to the highly pursued fifth place in the Super League as local rivals Panthrakikos visit the Skoda Xanthi Arena.
Levadeiakos FC 3-0 Iraklis FC
Moulopoulos 22, Napoleoni 45′, Koltzos 90′
Hoping to avoid relegation, Levadeiakos gave an astonishing performance in their 3-0 rout of Iraklis to kickoff Sunday’s Super League action.
Levadeiakos defender Athanassios Moulopoulos put his side ahead after twenty-two minutes as he concluded a passing-play between him and Leonardo with a goal.
It was Leonardo again playing provider just before the interval as his free-kick was turned in by Stefano Napoleoni.
The rout was completed late in the second half as Giorgos Koltzos breached the Iraklis defense and surged out to a breakaway on Wojciech Kowalewski, and made no mistake by firing past the Polish ‘keeper.
Iraklis, who looked headed for greener pastures just two weeks ago, have been slapped with reality andremain near the relegation zone yet again. They’ll look to add some distance between them and the bottom three when they host Panionios at the Kaftanzogleio Stadium in Thessaloniki.
Levadeiakos, meanwhile, will travel to Heraklion where OFI hosts Momcilo Vukotic’s men at the Pankritio Stadium in Crete.
OFI Crete FC 0-0 Panserraikos FC
A goalless end to the affair between OFI and Panserraikos in Crete did little to help either side’s bid to escape the relegation, as the full-time came with a bitter pill of disappointment after their rivals managed to gain ground on the relegation stricken pair.
Panserraikos did, however, extend their unbeaten streak to three games. While Panathinaikos and the Greek Cup is in their immediate sights as Hugo Broos’ squad attempts to stir an upset on Wednesday night in Athens; the ‘Liontaria’ will resume their plans to remain a Super League side a few days after their Athens trip. In hopes of extending their unbeaten run to four games, the Serres side will face Athenian side AEK, who could potentially spoil their plans.
OFI’s unbeaten has already reached four matches, but it still isn’t enough for Ioannis Matzourakis’ men to escape the relegation zone. They’ll host Levadeiakos next weekend in hopes of cutting the deficit between them and their guests, who sit in the much desired thirteenth spot.
Panionios FC 2-1 PAOK FC
Lourenco 58′ – Bakayoko 75′ 90′ + 3′
Ibrahim Bakayoko put on a late goal-scoring performance to give PAOK a dramatic win over Panionios in Nea Smyrni. With Panionios leading after fifty-eight minutes, Bakayoko struck twice in the final fifteen minutes to break ‘Kyanerythri’ hearts.
Angolan striker Lourenco da Silva put the hosts ahead when he made the most of chaos in the PAOK box, and slotted home the loose ball past a confused Kostas Chalkias.
The equalizer was crafted by a run by Sergio Conceicao, who then turned the ball over to Bakayoko with a simple pass into the Panionios box. The Ivorian Coast striker made no mistake as he slotted his effort into the top corner past Panionios ‘keeper Dario Kresic.
Ten minutes after PAOK retaliated on the scoreboard, Grigoris Makos was show his second yellow of the night, to set up a grinding finale for the hosts.
With the strength in numbers, Bakayoko made sure PAOK cashed in as he scored the winning goal in the third minute of stoppage time. Conceicao again played provider as he lashed a cross towards Zlatan Muslimovic, but the Bosnian striker saw his effort slam off the crossbar. Keeping his eye on the ball, Bakayoko pounced on the rebound to slot home a somewhat acrobatic finish past Kresic.
Leaving it late to secure maximum points, PAOK extended its winning streak to three games. The Thessaloniki side now face a double date with Olympiacos which begins on Wednesday in Piraeus, as the top two sides in the Greek Super League clash at the Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium for a spot in the semi-finals of the Greek Cup. The venue will shift to the Toumba Stadium on the weekend, as PAOK puts its undefeated home record to its biggest test of the year.
Panionios will also take part in a quarterfinal Greek Cup tie, but they’re up against the odds with Asteras Tripolis holding an aggregate edge ahead of the return leg in Tripoli. On the league front, Panionios resumes its Super League schedule on Saturday afternoon against Iraklis in Thessaloniki.
Olympiacos CFP 0-0 Panathinaikos FC
The highlight fixture of the weekend, which is likely the latter half of most anticipated match of the season, featured two long-time rivals clashing at the Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus. The ancient port city played host to Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, for the 100th league meeting between Greece’s most fierce rivals.
While there was no scoring done in Piraeus, there wasn’t a shortage of suspense as both teams looked to overcome their rivals. Jose Sarriegi was shown two yellow cards before the hour mark, as Panathinaikos was forced to play with ten-men after the Spaniard was dismissed on fifty-eight minutes.
The visiting Athenians arguably had the best chance of the match when Giorgos Karagounis slammed his seventieth minute set-piece effort off Antonis Nikpolidis’ right post.
At the other end, Fernando Belluschi forced Mario Galinovic to stretch acrobatically in order to keep out the Argentine’s header just minutes before the full-time whistle.
Olympiacos avoided defeat for the first time in three matches spanning all competitions, but the ‘Erythrolefki’ remained disappointed with the derby draw.
Two more derbies lie not too far in the horizon as a Cup meeting with PAOK is followed by a rematch with ‘Dikefale tou Vorra’ on the ensuing weekend.
Panathinaikos have a lighter schedule, but urgency will be required when Panserraikos makes a visit to the OAKA Spyros Louis Stadium with a 0-0 aggregate score-line. Larissa visits Henk Ten Cate’s Panathinaikos on Saturday.
Panthrakikos FC 0-0 Asteras Tripolis FC
In the third scoreless fixture of the weekend, Panthrakikos and Asteras Tripolis duelled to a stalemate in Komotini.
Neither could net a breakthrough, which would have rightly been vital to either outfit’s domestic campaign. Asteras Tripolis grabbed a valuable point away from home, but Nikos Kostenoglou’s men are likely to reflect on the game with a missed chance at furthering themselves from the relegation zone.
Emilio Ferrera’s Panthrakikos are not as closely associated with the bottom three clubs in the Greek table, but are also likely to feel they missed out on maximum points.
Asteras Tripolis faces Panionios at home in the Greek Cup on Wednesday, before welcoming Aris to Tripoli on Saturday. Panthrakikos’ Greek Cup campaign has already come to an end, but they face a trip to local rivals Skoda Xanthi as the Thracian pair meet in Komotini.
Greek Super League Preview – Round 24: Playoff Contention and Relegation Battles Overshadowed by the Eternal Derby
By: Peter Katsiris | Add Comments
European competition got the better of Greece during midweek as Panathinaikos and Olympiacos shared mixed fortunes during their respective UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup campaigns. Heading into the weekend, the two will clash as the ‘Eternal’ derby takes center stage in Piraeus. But while there is plenty of incentive to catch the upcoming edition of the Super League’s most fierce derby, seven other games on the Greek schedule hold plenty of meaning.
Larissa FC vs. Ergotelis FC
Without former Greece international Stelios Giannakopoulos, Larissa welcomes Ergotelis to the Alkazar Stadium to kick-off the weekend’s festivities. Undefeated in their last twelve Super League matches, Marinos Ouzounidis’ Larissa will hope to inch closer to locking down a playoff spot by overcoming their Cretan guests. But while the hosts are the foreseeable favourites, Ergotelis’ 1-0 win over Olympiacos last Sunday gives the ‘Canaries’ a boost heading into the meeting.
Aris FC vs. Thrasyvoulos Fylis
Hoping to claw their way back into the playoff picture, Aris tackles Thrasyvoulos at the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium in Thessaloniki. The hosts failed to close the gap between them and Larissa last weekend and now need to begin a lengthy winning streak if they are to even dream of European competition next season. With Thrasyvoulos winless in their last six Super League fixtures, the hosts are being tipped by many to collect maximum points in front of their home crowd. Nonetheless, the visitors will look to stir an upset in the midst of falling to the foot of the table as hope continues to escape the Super League’s cellar dwellers.
AEK Athens FC vs. Skoda Xanthi FC
A late header from Ismael Blanco gave AEK a 1-0 win over Skoda Xanthi in the Greek Cup on Wednesday, but the Athenians will have to defeat the same Thracian side again on Saturday as the pair meet at the OAKA Spyros Louis Stadium in Athens. Giorgos Paraschos’ Xanthi failed to hold onto a 2-1 aggregate lead in Athens during midweek and were dismissed from the Cup as AEK slipped into the semi-final frame. Now, out to level the score, the Thracians will aim to boost their still speculative chances of reaching the playoffs by handing Dusan Bajevic’s side a blow on Athenian turf. It may be a tall order for Xanthi as AEK has allowed just two goals in the Super League since the start of the New Year.
Levadeiakos FC vs. Iraklis FC
Hoping to snap a five-game losing streak, Levadeiakos entertains Iraklis in Levadeia to commence Sunday’s slate of Super League fixtures. Momcilo Vukotic’s men have struggled in their last five matches, and have been kept off the score sheet since their 4-0 thumping of Ergotelis in January. Spiralling towards the relegation zone, the hosts will look to halt a turbulent Iraklis who are coming off a 1-0 derby defeat to PAOK. Makis Katsavakis’ men picked up a valuable point when Panathinaikos traveled to the Kaftanzogelio Stadium two weeks ago, but they are still in reaching distance from the relegation zone. A full three points will do marvels for either side.
OFI Crete FC vs. Panserraikos FC
Two early relegation candidates meet at the Pankritio Stadium in Crete as OFI hosts Panserraikos on Greece’s largest island. OFI has begun a bit of an impressive streak by going undefeated in their last three matches in hopes of escaping the relegation zone. The Cretans will need to improve on their home record, however, if they are to remain a Super League club at season’s end. Posting just one win at home this season, Ioannis Matzourakis’ men will need to overcome Panserraikos to boost their chances of staying up. The same holds true for Panserraikos, who also need a victory to assure survival. Two points on their hosts, and one away from safety, the ‘Liontaria’ will be keen to extend their winning streak after a two-game home-stand allowed Hugo Broos’ side to collect full points against Skoda Xanthi and Levadeiakos.
Panionios FC vs. PAOK FC
Lambros Choutos returns to Nea Smyrni on Sunday as PAOK travels to face Panionios. The former Olympiacos and Inter Milan striker left the ‘Kyanerythri’ on bitter terms during the January transfer window, and will expectedly be jeered when he steps out onto the pitch. All emotions aside, both sides may be distracted by their Greek Cup plans that will come forth on Wednesday. PAOK faces a double-date with league leader Olympiacos next week and will gladly pursue a chance to close the gap behind the runaway league leaders. Panionios, who travels to Tripoli to face Asteras Tripolis on Wednesday, will look inch closer to the last playoff spot by overcoming their northern visitors. With just one win in their last six matches, Fabian Estoyanoff will need to be at his very best if Panionios is to deal PAOK their fourth loss of the season.
Olympiacos CFP vs. Panathinaikos FC
The biggest derby in Greek football returns to the limelight when Panathinaikos visits the Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium to take on archrivals Olympiacos. A midweek stalemate with Villarreal in Spain gives Panathinaikos plenty of confidence ahead of this much anticipated meeting, but a trip to Karaiskaki is always a daunting task for the ‘Trifylli’. Trailing their inter-city rivals by a remarkable eleven points, Henk Ten Cate’s men will aim to trim the deficit to eight points with a win in Piraeus. Not as fortunate in their own European campaign, Olympiacos will be hoping to rebound after French side Saint-Etienne bounced them from the UEFA Cup on Thursday. A derby win against their fierce rivals will sooth the pain in Piraeus and halt a three-game slide in all competitions. Ernesto Valverde’s side will be boosted by the return of superstar Luciano Galletti after a nagging injury sidelined the Argentine for the ‘Erythrolefki’s’ last two matches.
Panthrakikos FC vs. Asteras Tripolis FC
AEK purged Asteras’ five-game unbeaten run last weekend, but that won’t discourage the Arcadians from returning to the win column when they meet up with Panthrakikos in Komotini. Nikos Kostenoglou remains adamant his side are primarily focusing on avoiding relegation, despite Asteras nearing a semi-final appearance in the Greek Cup ahead of a replay with Panionios on Wednesday. Sitting just for points up on the relegation zone, Asteras will need a victory on Sunday to inject comfort in the minds of the club’s vocal supporters. Emilio Ferrera’s Panthrakikos, meanwhile, overcame Thrasyvoulos with a 2-0 win in Fyli last week, to discretely cover-up the suspension of ‘keeper Jose Rocas after a failed drug test by the Spaniard cost Panathrakikos’ number one custodian a one-year ban. Snapping a three-game slide last weekend, the Thracians will look to reproduce a similar performance to overcome a determined Asteras.
Blanco breaks Thracian hearts as AEK moves on
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Banking on a 2-1 aggregate lead to guide them to the semi-finals, Skoda Xanthi was left in utter disappointment when a header from Ismael Blanco cancelled out the Thracians’ advantage, and allowed for Dusan Bajevic’s AEK to be the first club to qualify for the final four of the Greek Cup.
After Libor Dosek gave Xanthi a slim advantage last week, the replay in Athens featured a pressured AEK looking to overturn a deficit in order to progress to the next round.
While the objective was clear for the hosts, it wasn’t until a late header from Blanco that AEK realized their dreams. El Hadji Diouf provided a cross for Edinho, but the latter headed in the direction of Blanco who sheekily fooled Xanthi ‘keeper Michael Gspurning to turn in a crucial goal for AEK.
There were no late heroics for the ‘Queen of Thrace’ as AEK held on to deny Xanthi of extending their Greek Cup plans.
With the win AEK became the first club to reach the next round of the Greek Cup, and now await the winner of the tie between Panathinaikos and Panserraikos.
That tie remains level after a 0-0 draw in Serres, but the replay is scheduled for March 4th at the OAKA Spyros Louis Stadium in Athens.
On the same day Asteras Tripolis will plan to pad their 1-0 aggregate lead on Panionios in Tripoli, while Olympiacos aims to overturn a 1-0 deficit to PAOK at the Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus.
Karagounis gives Panathinaikos tender advantage ahead of Athens replay
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A scintillating strike by Giorgos Karagounis has allowed Panathinaikos to take an away goal back to the OAKA Spyros Louis Stadium on March 10th, as the Greek giants played to 1-1 draw with Villarreal at the El Madrigal on Wednesday evening.
Looking to the Champions League to salvage a season plagued with domestic disappointment, a steeled performance by Panathinaikos allows Henk Ten Cate’s men to take a tender advantage back to Athens. However, Giuseppe Rossi’s tally from the penalty spot allows Villarreal to still dream about a spot in the quarterfinals.
Champions League: Villarreal vs. Panathinaikos [Live Blog]
By: Peter Katsiris | 4 Comments
With the final whistle, Panathinaikos has taken a substantial step into achieving its goal of reaching the next round. The final score from the El Madrigal Stadium is 1-1, and Panathinaikos can be happy with their away goal. Villarreal has plenty of work to do at the OAKA Spyros Louis Stadium when the two sides meet for a replay on March 10th.
Villarreal CF 1-1 Panathinaikos FC
Rossi (pen.) 67′ — Karagounis 59′
Champions League Preview: Panathinaikos’ European inferno set to reignite
By: Peter Katsiris | 2 Comments
The UEFA Champions League returned to full swing on Tuesday night, but twenty-four hours later the road to Rome will resume for Panathinaikos who travel to Spain to face Villarreal on Wednesday. With plenty of pressure on Henk Ten Cate’s side, the importance of securing a strong result at the ‘EL Madrigal’ is of back-breaking magnitude for the Athenians.
The tie might not be as attractive as some of the other round of sixteen matchups, but with both sides able to offer quality football at both ends of the pitch, an exciting encounter is expected to transpire in Spain.
Not the Favourites
Villarreal manager Manuel Pellegrini made it clear his side is not the favourite heading into the first leg, but many football pundits disagree. Pellegrini, nicknamed ‘The Engineer’, might have based his decision on his side’s poor form since the Champions League group stage ended in early December. Slumping to several defeats, and a near self-destructive state in Spain, Villarreal nearly saw their domestic season deteriorate to shambles.
Recently ‘Los Submarinos Amarillos’ have began the trek back to form; winning two of their last three matches in La Liga to climb back up to fourth place in the Spanish top flight. With Europe now at the center of their focus, there won’t be time for the hosts to slump around. With away goals playing a big part in the elimination of plenty clubs, Villarreal’s back line will need to provide a steeled performance to avoid a disastrous return to European action.
Going forward there are plenty of weapons that pose a danger to Panathinaikos’ hopes. Marcos Senna will need to be monitored, but maybe Giuseppe Rossi will be the main cause for concern. The American-born Italy international has shown his true colours this season in Spain, and with a potential to further his goal scoring record, a potent Rossi could deliver a knockout blow.
Lacking from the line-up will be the contributions of Turkish striker Nihat Kahveci through injury, but the main core of depletion comes through several suspensions. EURO 2008 winner Joan Capdevila and Guille Franco are two notable absentees through suspension. Meanwhile, a thigh injury leaves Gonzalo Rodriguez unavailable, but defender Angel faces a race against time ahead of the introductory leg.
Spanish Flu
If Panathinaikos is hoping to make up for their disappointing domestic form, which includes an eleven-point deficit to arch rivals Olympiacos, then they’ll need to overhaul a lengthy winless streak to ease the minds of their supporters. Panathinaikos isn’t settling on history to decide their European ambitions. While they are keen to take inspiration from their 1-0 defeat of Inter Milan at the San Siro, Panathinaikos’ winless record in Spain won’t discourage Ten Cate’s men.
Instead of discouragement, it will be confidence that will flow from the Panathinaikos ranks, who have lost just once since the Champions League went on recess back in December. Ten Cate has slowly moulded a winning formula for his side, but a performance better than their 2-1 win over Panionios will be required if the ‘Trifylli’ are keen to position themselves for progression.
Their bid to reach the knockout round featured many protagonists, but the most important figure may be Giorgos Karagounis. Captain of the club, Karagounis’ permanent second-wind is occasions such as this make him a danger to opponents. Remembered for his looping strike against Werder Bremen at the Weserstadion, the high profile midfielder will be searching for yet another memory to add to the club’s growing European scrapbook. If Karagounis is unable to steer the ship, another Greek, Dimitrios Salpigidis has been tipped to make an impact, after being ranked in UEFA’s top ten list of unsung heroes.
Injuries taint the pre-game storyline for the visitors, as Greece international Loukas Vyntra and compatriot Ioannis Goumas are likely to struggle to reach match fitness ahead of kick-off. Doubtful as well is Christos Melissis, and Brazilian Gabriel. Marcelo Mattos has been left in Athens, after being ruled out of action until March.
As European desires come at a crossroads once again, it will take several factors to determine which side joins the field for the quarterfinals. Wednesday night’s clash in Spain will go a long way in determining which side will make it to the next round, but both sides will be cautious of their standpoint heading into the replay in Athens.
Greek Wrap (…not a Gyro) Round 23: A Dose of Local Pride and Home Advantage
By: Peter Katsiris | Add Comments
It was a weekend of slim margins and surprising upsets. While the schedule was highlighted by local derbies in Athens and in Thessaloniki, Olympiacos’ lead at the top of the Greek Super League standings was reduced by three points, while at the bottom of the chart, the relegation battle continued to nominate its likely candidates.
Skoda Xanthi FC 0-0 OFI Crete FC
A scoreless night in Xanthi meant Skoda Xanthi and visitors OFI shared the spoils in Pigadia. While there will be disappointment for Giorgos Paraschos’ men, especially after their midweek Cup defeat for AEK Athens. OFI’s ability to grab a point does help their chances of staying in the Super League for at least another year, but does assert more pressure for the weeks to come.
PAOK FC 1-0 Iraklis FC
In the season’s second edition of the Thessaloniki derby between PAOK and Iraklis, a goal from Pablo Contreras separated both sides afternearly eighty minutes of scoreless football. Holding their own for most of the match, Iraklis constantly looked likely to score the match’s breakthrough; however, a costly defensive error dug a deep hole for Makis Katsavakis’ men. There was no way back for the visitors, who were bitterly deflated when Contreras converted Sergio Conceicao’s cross.
Panathinaikos FC 2-1 Panionios GSS
Another local derby, this one in Athens between Panathinaikos and Panionios ended with a slim win for the hosts. Second-half goals from Antonis Petropoulos and Dimitrios Salpigidis put Panathinaikos ahead by two, but Fabian Estoyanoff secured a consolation goal for the visitors. With European ambitions still occupying the OAKA Spyros Louis Stadium, the win was a much needed boost for Henk Ten Cate’s men, who tackle Villarreal in Spain on Wednesday.
Panserraikos FC 1-0 Levadeiakos FC
On Sunday, the Super League schedule resumed, and a matinee match in Serres saw Panserraikos claim their third consecutive home win, after going winless in their nine previous home stands. A lone goal Nino Milenkovic gave Hugo Broos’ side a confidence boosting victory, but it was the series of early dismissals that hogged the headlines. A total of three double bookings clogged the plot, as Panserraikos’ Anastasios Papazoglou and Mohammed Abubakari, and Levadeiakos’ Patrick Dimbala were sent to locker rooms ahead of the final whistle.
Thrasyvoulos Fylis 0-2 Panthrakikos FC
Panthrakikos ended a bad week on high, as the Thracians, with a little help, overcame Thrasyvoulos in Fyli with a 2-0 score-line. After ‘keeper Jose Roca was sentenced to a one-year ban due to unexplained drug use, which was utilized for asthma and not performance, Panthrakikos was tipped to be on a path for doom. On Sunday, however, a penalty strike from Sito Riera, and an own goal by Dimitris Mavrogenidis gave the Komotini-based club an important victory. Thrasyvoulos was pushed even deeper down into the relegation zone, and now look likely to return to the Beta Ethniki next year.
Larissa FC 1-1 Aris FC
In a meeting between two sides fighting for the final playoff spot, Aris was unable to close the gap between them and their closest rivals. A late goal from Aris captain Sergio Koke denied Larissa, who had gone ahead through a tally from Poland international Maciej Zurawski not more than ten minutes before. Larissa looked to be in trouble when star midfielder and impact goal scorer, Stelios Giannakopoulos, went down to injury just past the twenty-minute mark. His immediate replacement, Zurawski, struck after seventy-seven minutes, but ultimately Larissa was unable to triumph at home.
Asteras Tripolis FC 0-1 AEK Athens FC
It was a similar result to their prior meeting, as AEK left it late once again to overcome a determined Asteras Tripolis. Facing his former employers, Nikos Kostenoglou narrowly put together another slaying of a Greek titan. Instead it was another late winner from AEK that stole the result from the Arcadian club. Daniel Majstorovic struck his second goal against the Peloponnesian club, and AEK grabbed three much needed points to extend their undefeated run to three games. Both sides will quickly shift their focus to Cup aspirations, as both outfits host their quarterfinal opponents with work to do.
*** Don’t forget to stay up-to-date with AEK news by joining Chris Paraskevas over at the AEK Blog.
Ergotelis FC 1-0 Olympiacos CFP
Slumping to just their second Super League defeat of the season, Olympiacos was upset by Cretan side Ergotelis. Vasilis Koutsianikoulis, one of the Super League’s revelations this year, exposed the Olympiacos defense, and goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis, to give his side a memorable win against the Greek Champions. It seems Olympiacos is still focused on their European campaign, and a 3-1 deficit to French side Saint-Etienne rightly assumes full attention for the Super League leaders.
*** Don’t forget to stay up-to-date with Olympiacos news by joining Chris Pavlakos and myself over at the Olympiacos Blog.
Vyntra blow for Panathinaikos
By: Peter Katsiris | Add Comments
Panathinaikos FC received a dose of bad news ahead of their introductory leg to the Round of 16 tie with Villarreal next week, as Loukas Vyntra was ruled out of his side’s trip to ‘El Madrigal’ during midweek.
According to the Greek press, bruising to the left leg will keep Vyntra out of Panathinaikos’ Super League fixture against Panionios, and the crucial Champions League match against their Spanish rivals.
The 28-year-old tops a long list of absentees for Panathinaikos’ meeting with Panionios on Saturday, as Gilberto Silva, Nikos Spyropoulos, Marcelo Mattos, Sotiris Leontiou, and Evangelos Mantzios have all been left off the roster.
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