-- Big-4 Final-4 For the First Time in 68 Years --
 

For the first time in 68 years, Greece’s big-four will play in the semifinals of the Greek Cup.

On Thursday, both PAOK and Olympiacos secured their place in the Greek Cup semifinals at the expense of Xanthi and Atromitos, joining Panathinaikos and AEK in the final-4 of the competition. It is a historic moment in the Greek Cup being that it is the first time in SIXTY EIGHT years that Greece’s big-4 clubs will compete in the semifinals of the competition.

The last time this happened was in 1949, just after World War II! That season, in single game knockout matches, AEK defeated Olympiacos 2-1 in the semifinal stage while Panathinaikos defeated PAOK 0-1 in Thessaloniki.

The cup final between AEK and Panathinaikos at the Leoforos Stadium had to be held twice due to...darkness as the game was cut short at 0-0 in the 109th minute. Since the game “ended” goalless, the match was replayed and AEK defeated their city rivals 2-1 in overtime to win their 3rd Greek Cup title in the club’s history.

AEK took the lead in the 10th minute with Patakas’ goal before Fulaktos equalized for the Prasini in the 69th minute. However, Patakas struck in overtime (105th minute) to give AEK the 1949 Greek Cup Title.

Sixty eight years later, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, AEK, and PAOK will battle it out for this year’s Cup Title. The semi-final draw date will be announced by the federation in the coming days with the expected date to be March 17th. The semi-final stage will be held over two legs with the final set for May 6th at a neutral site (single match). 

Image Source: sportfm.gr

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