SLGR Final Matchday Preview: Last-day drama for second place and relegation battles
The final Matchday of the 2019/20 Greek Super League 1 season will take place this weekend. In a season characterized by the disruption of the league due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the season will finally come to a close this weekend, in mid-July for the first time ever. The champions have been decided and most of the European places, but the final Matchday will pique interest with regard to the race for second place between PAOK and AEK and also the relegation battle with Panetolikos, Xanthi, and Panionios fighting it out to avoid the drop.
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Here is a match-by-match breakdown of the weekend schedule:
Saturday
Larisa - Xanthi
Asteras Tripolis - Lamia
Atromitos - Panionios
Panetolikos - Volos
The playout schedule is set for Saturday with all matches beginning at the same time. Three matches are of interest with the Asteras Tripolis versus Lamia game not having any real importance with the exception of final league placement.
Elsewhere, the situation will be different. In Agrinio, Panetolikos host Volos. The home side need to pick up a point to avoid the bottom two places and ensure survival. A defeat could be costly should Xanthi win their match. Then, Panetolikos would find themselves in the relegation playoff spot.
Xanthi have the upper hand over Panionios in avoiding last place and direct relegation. However, they only lead their relegation rivals by a point and must go to Larisa on Saturday. In Larisa, a Xanthi defeat could see them face the drop should Panionios manage a draw in their final game. A draw might be enough should Panionios fail to win, while a victory would see Xanthi avoid direct relegation, assure themselves of a place in the relegation playoff and potentially see them secure safety should Panetolikos lose their game.
Panionios have the toughest path to survival as they go to Peristeri to take on Atromitos. The Nea Smyrni club are currently in last place, one point behind Xanthi. That means in order to finish second from bottom and avoid the drop directly Panionios must better Xanthi’s result this weekend.
Sunday
Olympiacos - AEK
PAOK - Aris
Panathinaikos - OFI
In the playoffs, the picture is clearer. Olympiacos are the champions, while Panathinaikos and Aris have finished in the Europa League places. The only matter to be decided is second place as PAOK currently lead AEK by three points.
This means that even a point for PAOK on Sunday in their city derby against Aris would be enough to clinch second and a spot in the Champions’ League qualifiers.
AEK travel to Olympiacos in hopes of pulling off an epic turnaround. The Kitrinomavri must beat Olympiacos and hope that Aris win against PAOK. Should that scenario unfold, it would be AEK that would overtake second position.
The remaining match of the day is Panathinaikos against OFI in Athens as Giorgos Donis takes his place on the bench for the last time for the hosts.
