Panionios see off Xanthi in Nea Smyrni
GREEK SUPERLEAGUE - MATCHDAY 25
| Panionios | 1 - 0 | Xanthi |
|---|---|---|
| Maksimović 75' |
Novica Maksimović scored the only goal of the game as Panionios clinched a vital 1-0 home victory over Xanthi on Sunday.
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The Panthers struggled to get going in the first half but Maksimović’s strike 15 minutes from time proved the difference for Akis Mantzios’ team at the Nea Smyrni stadium.
As a result, Panionios moved up to ninth place and they are now seven points clear of the relegation places, while Xanthi are 10th on the same number of points but behind the Panthers on goal difference.
A dreadful first half between two teams who have struggled for any kind of consistency and quality throughout the season ended with the scores unsurprisingly goalless.
And when there was finally some goalmouth action to speak of early in the second half it was the visitors who threatened most, with Erik Jendrišek firing wide after the Slovakian frontman found himself with time and space to shoot.
A few minutes later Xanthi threatened again through Jean Barrientos, who picked out Brazilian forward William. The 27-year-old got his shot away but it was pushed away for a corner.
As the second half wore on, Panionios began to find their feet, and after threatening in the 74th minute through captain Panagiotis Korbos, who drew a fine save from Xanthi keeper Živko Živković, the hosts then took the lead a minute later.
Serbian midfielder Maksimović was the man in the right place at the right time to power home a shot in off the post after Živković’s poor clearance left the Xanthi custodian exposed.
HIGHLIGHTS: PANIONOS - XANTHI
