Panathinaikos has lifted its 20th Greek Cup trophy after defeating Aris 1-0 in a thrilling encounter.
In a captivating match held at the Panthessalic Stadium in Volos, the lone goal came from Giorgos Vagiannidis in the dying moments of the match. The goal was a dramatic conclusion to a tense and competitive game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, although the absence of fans due to stadium restrictions added an eerie silence.
Three red cards were issued by referee Stephanie Frappart, making history as the first woman to officiate a Greek football match.
Panathinaikos took the lead early, with Vagiannidis heading in a cross in the seventh minute of stoppage time. Aris, despite their valiant efforts, could not find an equalizer, handing Panathinaikos their second major trophy of the season.
The match showcased a high level of intensity, with both teams displaying a strong defensive approach. In the second half, the game became increasingly physical, leading to the dismissals of two Aris players and one Panathinaikos player.
Panathinaikos and Aris fielded the following lineups:
ARIS: Cuesta, Odubajo, Fabiano, Brabec, Montoya, Mvondo, Darida, Manu Garcia, Suleymanov, Zamora, Moron.
PANATHINAIKOS: Lodingin, Jedvaj, Arao, Kotsiras, Juancar, Cerin, Ruben Perez, Mancini, Bernard, Bakasetas, Ioannidis.
With this victory, Panathinaikos continues to solidify its dominance in Greek football, extending its record to 20 Greek Cups. The triumph is a testament to the team's resilience and determination, as they overcame challenges and secured a hard-fought victory.
