Finally, it’s time!

AGONAsport’s Olympiacos contributor, Theo Bouras, talks about the return of football in Greece and Olympiacos’ first clash against rivals PAOK on Sunday.

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It has been 86 long nights since Olympiacos last hit the football pitch. Pedro Martins’ squad hasn’t been in a competitive game since March 12th when they hosted Wolverhampton Wolves in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16. Since that eerie night in Piraeus, the world has changed; though when it comes to Greek football, some things will never change.

A Unique Concept

Traditionally, the Greek Super League championship has been decided in the regular season. The team that has finished first in the standings has been awarded the crown. This season, a new concept was proposed where a playoff will take place at the conclusion of the regular season. The term playoff might be a little misleading. This is actually an extension of the season with ten more matchdays and teams will keep the same standings going into this format.

The Erythrofleki, who have remained undefeated in the Super League this season, will be called upon to face PAOK, AEK, Panathinaikos, Aris, and OFI both at home and on the road. Olympiacos hold a commanding seven-point (or 14-point, depending on who you ask) lead over second-placed PAOK and will look to put an exclamation point on their quest to their historic 45th Greek championship.

Predicting in what kind of state any of these teams will be after a three-month layover is anything but easy. While many players used this time to heal and get some much-needed rest, pundits are questioning in what kind of fitness will the footballers be in and what kind of form will teams have after such a hiatus.

Since August, the Legend has been the only Greek team that has continuously faced a taxing schedule - they have played 12 more games than PAOK due to their European competition obligations. Even with their uphill schedule battle, the “Covid break” probably benefited Olympiacos the least. The league-leaders were in fine form in March after successfully beating PAOK 0-1 in Toumba Stadium on February 23rd and knocking out Arsenal from the Europa League just four days later.

Due to the fan-ban from the Greek government, the Toumba Stadium will not have the usual atmosphere that we have become accustomed to. On paper and on the pitch, Olympiacos are the more talented club and should be able to walk away victorious. With a win on Sunday, Olympiacos will cement the championship in their trophy case. A loss will not only hurt the team’s pride, but it will have PAOK believing they have a chance to turn the ship around (especially if their seven-point deduction is eventually overturned).

In a year where we have seen some of the strangest occurrences, on and off the pitch, it’s finally good to have some football back in our life. It certainly doesn’t get more exciting than Greece’s two best teams battling it out.

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