SLGR Standings: PAOK drop to third after frustrating draw
AEK took advantage of more dropped PAOK points to move into second place of the Super League, while Panetolikos overtook Xanthi in the fascinating relegation fight.
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PLAYOFFS
The Kitrinomavri eventually moved above PAOK into second spot at the third time of asking. After the 0-0 draw between Panathinaikos and PAOK on Saturday, AEK managed to use their chance to overtake the Dikefalos tou Vorra a day later, producing a solid performance to defeat an off-colour OFI side 2-0 in Heraklion. With the first half approaching its conclusion, Marko Livaja headed beyond the opposing goalkeeper, before Daniele Verde sealed the victory in the 65th minute with a great shot. AEK now boast a two-point advantage over third-placed PAOK in the thrilling battle for UEFA Champions League football.
Olympiacos are almost over the line. On course to win their first Super League title since 2017, the Erythrolefki showed no mercy to Aris at the Karaiskakis Stadium, cruising to a routine 3-1 victory to protect their overwhelming 17-point lead in first. Initially, Aris made the brighter start in Piraeus, but two defensive errors allowed Mohamed Camara to score twice in quick succession. Sensing blood, Olympiacos then grabbed a third first-half goal through Giorgos Masouras, and they could even afford to see Kostas Fortounis miss a late penalty in the second stanza. Brown Ideye registered a consolation for inconsistent Aris.
The Thessaloniki-based outfit are nine points behind Panathinaikos in the race for fourth.
PLAYOUTS
Panetolikos are determined to retain their top-flight status. Displaying confident football, the Agrinio club made short work of AE Larissa at home, tallying a vital 3-0 triumph to climb above Xanthi into 12th position. Following an uneventful first half, Anthony Mounier burst into action for Panetolikos in the second, scoring two impressive goals while also providing a clever assist for Abiola Dauda’s marker. For their part, Xanthi contrived to lose 1-0 at Volos NFC, but they do have a game in hand. Both AEL and Volos are level on 30 points in 10th.
In Tripoli, Panionios held on to a goalless draw against playout leaders Asteras Tripolis, but they are still three points behind Xanthi as their survival bid continues. Elsewhere, Atromitos came from behind to register a 1-1 draw with Lamia in Peristeri, as 2017/2018 Greek champion Rodrigo Galo curled a unstoppable free kick into the left corner. Daniel Adejo had headed in the opening goal for Lamia.
Player of the Week: Mohamed Camara (Olympiacos)
The 23-year-old Guinean midfielder was certainly the star of the show against Aris. Within the space of 60 seconds, Camara ended all Aris hopes of earning a positive result in Piraeus, netting two excellent goals as he powered forward to good effect. Camara’s last Olympiacos goal had been witnessed in a win at OFI in late January.
Goal of the Week: Anthony Mounier (Panetolikos)
Mounier is still capable of producing moments of true quality. Instrumental in the 3-0 beating of AEL, the Panetolikos attacking midfielder stole the show with his superb second goal, whipping a sumptuous effort over Ogmundur Kristinsson from the right flank. One to remember.
