Thessaloniki Derby highlights Greek Cup Draw

By: Peter Katsiris | November 20th, 2008

The Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) conducted the draw for the Round of the 16 of the Greek Cup prior to Wednesday’s international friendly between Greece and Italy at the Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium. The draw produced many David and Goliath like ties, but one in particular will steal the limelight come January 2009.

The much anticipated tie is none other than PAOK vs. Aris. The two have met already this season at the Toumba Stadium which PAOK grabbed the win with a slim 1-0 score line. Aris will have to overcome the same hostile venue if they are to progress to the next round.

Defending Champions, Olympiacos, face a trip south to Crete for a match with OFI Crete FC. The pair already met at the Pankritio Stadium this year, but a scoreless stalemate left both sides with one point.

Panathinaikos also face a road trip, this time to Thrace for a match with newly-promoted club Panthrakikos. The ‘Tryfilli’ were victorious in their Super League matchday 2 encounter with a 3-0 win at the OAKA Spyro Louis Stadium in September. A trip to the Komotini Stadium will prove to be a tougher test for the Athenian giants.

AEK will travel to the island of Corfu to face Beta Ethniki side Kerkyra. The hosts are one of two second division sides still alive in this year’s competition, and with AEK on shaky ground this year the chance for an upset could be in the cards for Kerkyra.

As for the other Beta Ethniki side, Veria, they were paired with Panionios. The club is still seeking a transition into the new management of Takis Lemonis. The Greek manager replaced a mutually-released Ewald Lienen last week.

Two sides fight for European places were arranged to meet in Crete, as Ergotelis face a visit from Skoda Xanthi in the next round. The Cretans have shocked many with their impressive strea to reach the top quarter of the table. Their opponents continue to show their grit in defense by grinding results at home and on the road.

Asteras Tripolis edged out Apollon Kalamarias in the last round, and the Arcadian club faces another Thessaloniki-based side in centenary club Iraklis. The Peloponnesian side will be home for the original meeting in January, but their home form this season has only seen Asteras grab nothing but draws.

The final match of the round will be between Panserraikos and Larissa. The visitors were successful in the 2006-2007 edition of the tournament, but should expect a tough time in Serres.

Official dates for the matches have yet to be confirmed by the EPO, but two sets of dates have been proposed for the eight matches. The EPO has revealed the 14^th and 21^st as the possible dates for the matches. The progressing club will be determined by a one-match playoff with the winner progressing to the quarterfinals. If the game ends in a tie, the match will be replayed at the away side’s venue on January 28^th.

Official Fixture List for the Round of 16 (home team listed first):

Ergotelis vs Skoda Xanthi
Veria vs Panionios
Panthrakikos vs Panathinaikos
Panserraikos vs Larissa
PAOK vs Aris
OFI Crete vs Olympiacos
AEK Athens vs Kerkyra
Asteras Tripolis vs Iraklis