AEK and Panathinaikos fire blanks in derby draw
GREEK SUPERLEAGUE - MATCHDAY 24
| AEK | 0 - 0 | Panathinaikos |
|---|---|---|
AEK and Panathinaikos could not be separated as the two SuperLeague clubs played out a goalless draw in the big Athens derby match at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday.
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Clear scoring chances were few and far between in what was a hard-fought Matchday 24 contest between Manolo Jimenez’s home side and Giorgos Donis’ youthful Greens side, who may have gone back to Leoforos will all three points had they taken a couple of good chances.
As things stand, the result does nothing to help either team in their respective efforts to finish as high as possible in the table. Third-place AEK are just one point ahead of Atromitos, who visit leaders PAOK on Sunday, while Panathinaikos are sixth and are five points adrift of Aris who are the team above them.
THE MATCH
Heading into this match both teams were looking for their first derby win of what has been a very mixed season for both sets of fans.
Reigning champions AEK have flattered to deceive in trying to defend their crown, while a financially troubled Panathinaikos began the season well, but suffered a mid-season dip in form as the pressure began to take its toll on their young players.
Jimenez’s AEK were well below par overall again in this match, with Panathinaikos enjoying the best opportunities to score.
First it was Italian striker Federico Macheda after 24 minutes. He was played clean through on goal by a clever Christos Donis pass after AEK’s defence had pushed up, but Macheda’s finish was wayward and sailed over the crossbar.
AEK struggled to create any notable chances in the opening half, despite having slightly more possession, and it wasn’t until the 53rd minute that the Kitrinomavri threatened Sokratis Dioudis’ goal.
It was Argentine Ezequiel Ponce who posed the threat, but his shot from a tight angle was comfortably saved by Dioudis.
AEK had a half-chance to break the deadlock in the 82nd minute, but Tasos Bakasetas’ snapshot was easily parried by Dioudis, while the home side were lucky not to concede just four minutes later.
This time it was Panathinaikos captain Dimitris Kourbelis who came close, heading wide when left unmarked from a Ergys Kace free-kick.
STARTING LINEUPS
AEK: 1 Barkas (GK), 2 Bakakis, 19 Chyrgrynsky, 4 Oikonomou, 12 Galo, 25 Galanopoulos, 8 Simoes, 14 Bakasetas, 10 Livaja, 31 Boye, 22 Ponce
PAO: 1 Dioudis (GK), 5 Oikonomou, 4 Kolovetsios, 78 Coubilay, 3 Insua, 26 Kace, 21 Kourbelis, 8 Donis, 2 Johansson, 7 Altman, 9 Macheda
HIGHLIGHTS: AEK - PANATHINAIKOS
