Panathinaikos suffered a huge upset at the hands of Atromitos, allowing PAOK to capitalise on the Greens’ result and jump temporarily into first place.
The “Trifylli” fell 3-2 away to the Peristeriotes on Monday morning (AEDT) in the Greek Super League’s 14th round, compounding on their recent disappointment in Europe.
Panathinaikos struck first in the 38th minute, thanks to a penalty from forward Fotis Ioannidis that made it into the bottom right corner off the left hand of goalkeeper Panagiotis Tsintotas.
Atromitos would draw level with the last kick of the first half after captain Eder Gonzalez met the ball from a free kick, guiding it into an empty net to pounce on goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli being out of position (45+2′).
The hosts came out of the break with momentum as they soon took the lead through a close-range header from striker Nikos Vergos (50′), and they even managed to bag a third as winger Gaetan Robail was played through and chipped the ball over Brignoli (64′).
The Greens got one back after VAR awarded them another penalty, with Ioannidis once again stepping up and depositing it into the top right (90+3′).
The match is Panathinaikos’ first time conceding three league goals in a game since January, and their recent form suggests they are in dire need of the upcoming mini-Christmas/New Year’s break to mentally reset.
Braces from midfielder Thomas Murg and winger Kiril Despodov helped PAOK to a 1-4 away success over Asteras Tripolis, leaping into top spot in the process.
The Thessaloniki giants earned the lead in the 34th minute via a strike from Murg before doubling their advantage on the hour mark through Despodov.
The Arcadians halved the deficit with a goal from centre half Ervin Zukanovic (63′) but Murg quickly restored the two-goal lead just six minutes later.
Despodov scored one more in the 90th minute to wrap up a fantastic match for the “black-whites”.
Aris managed to grab a narrow 1-0 triumph over OFI at “Kleanthis Vikelidis” Stadium, with midfielder Vladimir Darida’s 39th minute strike enough to separate the two sides.
Volos successfully breached Lamia at their home fortress of “Athanasios Diakos” ground, sealing a 1-2 victory to continue their strong run of form.
The Magnesia outfit went in front, thanks to a header from striker Juan Manuel Garcia (56′), before striker Carlitos equalised for the Fthiotida club in the 71st minute.
Forward Maximiliano Comba bagged the winning goal soon after with a strike that went into the net off the underside of the crossbar (80′).
Kifisia recorded a crucial 4-2 home win against Giannina to significantly improve their standing on the ladder.
The match had a frantic start with five goals in the first half, with the hosts taking the lead six minutes in via striker Ognjen Ozegovic before winger Kevin Rosero quickly equalised for the Epirutans (10′).
Kifisia reclaimed the lead just one minute later through Mateus Santos (11′), though Giannina would draw level again after centre back Epameinondas Pantelakis headed the ball in from a corner (23′).
The home side went in front once more in the 35th minute, courtesy of a goal from centre half Loick Landre, and they would seal the three points with one final strike in the 90+2nd minute from Ozegovic.
Two more matches will be played tomorrow morning between Panetolikos-AEK and Panserraikos-Olympiacos, with Enosi capable of finishing the round as league leaders if they win.
Greek Super League Ladder (games in hand)
1-PAOK: 32
2-Panathinaikos: 31
3-AEK: 30 (13)
4-Olympiacos: 28 (13)
5-Aris: 23
6-Asteras Tripolis: 17
7-Lamia: 16
8-OFI: 15
9-Atromitos: 15
10-Volos: 14
11-Panserraikos: 13 (13)
12-Kifisia: 11
13-Panetolikos: 9 (13)
14-PAS Giannina: 8
