Panathinaikos secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over AEK in a pulsating encounter on Wednesday, reigniting their pursuit of the Stoiximan Super League title.
AEK struck first through Vidar Vida in the 5th minute, but Panathinaikos refused to surrender. They equalized through Giorgos Bakasetas in the 32nd minute after a lapse in concentration by AEK defender Harold Moukoudi. Tasos Ioannidis capitalized on another Moukoudi error by putting the home side ahead two minutes later.
The second half saw Panathinaikos prioritize defending their lead while AEK pressed for an equalizer. Panathinaikos goalkeeper Sokratis Drakogowski produced a crucial save in the 91st minute to deny a dangerous free kick from Mijat Gaćinović. Lazaros Ponce also missed a late-headed opportunity for AEK, sealing their fate.
This victory propels Panathinaikos to 62 points, just three behind new league leaders PAOK. AEK remains in second place with 65 points but will be concerned by their performance, particularly the defensive frailties exposed by Moukoudi.
The result adds another layer of intrigue to the championship battle. With just four matches remaining, Panathinaikos has proven they can challenge for the title, while AEK will need to bounce back quickly to maintain their position.
Panathinaikos (Fatih Terim): Dragovski, Akaidin, Jedvai, Kotsiras, Huancar (61' Mladenovic), Arao, Cerin (88' Vilena), Bakasetas (88' Ruben Perez), Verbic (61' Mancini), Bernard (79' Limnios ), Ioannidis.
AEK (Matias Almeida): Athanasiadis, Vida, Mukudi, Rota, Hadjisafi, Simanski (57' Pineda), Jonson (70' Amrbat), Eliasson, Zuber (57' Gacinovic), Mandalos (57' Araujo), Levia Garcia (57 ′ Ponce).
