Top of the Table Drama in the Greek Super League

By Chrisos Mavromoustakos 

First up, the game between ARIS and AEK Athens. ARIS are in a great run of form and haven’t lost since the 28th of January. Whilst AEK looks to bounce back after their thrashing from the other title contenders Olympiakos. This would pan out to ARIS’ favour who win for the first time since 2012 against AEK. They managed a 2-0 win at home and sit 5th, 6 points behind their opponents.

Giannina v Xanthi FC. Both of these teams are in a bad run of form, Giannina’s last win fell on the 10th of last month, whilst Xanthi’s was on the 21st of January. This lackluster form for both sides would encapsulate into the result, a 0-0 draw. Giannina sits in 13th position in the relegation zone, whilst Xanthi is sitting 8th.

We head to the largest Greek island Crete, where OFI are up against AEL Larissa. OFI has not won a game since the 21st of January. AEL’s last win was on the 13th of January. This is another clash of inconsistency. This game would end in a 0-0 draw as both sides fail to bolster any goals. OFI sit in the relegation zone, whilst AEL is just outside 2 points away from crawling back in.

Atromitos are looking to bounce back after losing to AEK in Athens. Whilst Panionios look to come back after getting knocked out of the Cup. The last time either of these sides grabbed 3 points from this clash was back in 2017 when Panionios won 2-6. However, this would soon change and Atromitos would come away with the 3 points and win 3-0. This pushes Atromitos into 3rd place, but still 9 points away from the top 2 spots. Panionios sit mid-table in 10th place and look to improve their run of form.

Definitely the game of the round. A clash of two Greek giants, Panathinaikos are up against PAOK in Athens. PAOK have not lost since the 7th of last month and are 3 wins out of 4. (Before the game was played).  PAOK have also won 3 out of the last 5, and this would prove to be vital as PAOK come out victorious again and win 0-2 in Athens in a crucial win. PAOK cruise through their stellar run and are still in first place, 7 points clear, whilst Panathinaikos are sitting in 6th and 6 points behind Aris who are in 5th. Ouch. PAOK would also win with 10 men. Double ouch.

Panetolikos travel away to Tripoli to face Asteras Tripoli. Asteras are 2 from 5, and Panetolikos are also 2 from 5 so this game is pretty even. However, the last time Panetolikos have won a game against Asteras was back in 2016. This run would extend as Asteras would cruise through and win 3-0, and also winning with 10 men. Asteras sit 11th and are one point behind 10th, whilst Panetolikos are right behind Panathinaikos’ back and sit 7th, one point behind 6th.

The last game of the round would be Smyrnis against Olympiakos Piraeus. Smyrnis sit dead last and are 1 win from 5, whilst Olympiakos look to keep their title hopes alive after a disappointing Round of 32 exit in the Europa League, at the hands of Dynamo Kiev. Olympiakos are also 3 from 5. Olympiakos have won 4 of the last 5 encounters, and win this recent one easily 0-2. This loss would be detrimental to Smyrnis who are now 9 points off second last and are the only team in the league without double points. Olympiakos are still in the title chase and are 7 points behind league leaders PAOK. Now things get interesting!