Panathinaikos paid dearly for their mistakes and lost 2–0 to Olympiacos at Leoforos Stadium in the 2nd round of the Stoiximan Super League playoffs. The Greens failed to convert their early chances into goals, while two moments of defensive lapse later proved disastrous.
The “shamrock” started the match explosively, coming close to scoring before the first minute was completed. Antino moved behind Olympiacos’ defense and delivered a low cross, but Tzolakis denied Taborda’s shot with his feet. In the 12th minute, Olympiacos threatened with El Kaabi, who, under pressure from Jedvaj, took a shot, but Lafont reacted well and cleared the danger. Another big chance came for Panathinaikos in the 16th minute when Tetéi, after a pass from Calabria, found himself in a wide position one-on-one with Tzolakis, but his right-footed shot went wide.
In the 33rd minute, Martins crossed towards El Kaabi, but Lafont made a crucial save from the Moroccan’s close-range attempt. However, in the continuation of the play, Jedvaj passed the ball back to Lafont, Martins intercepted it and found himself alone against the Panathinaikos goalkeeper, opening the scoring for the visitors.
Panathinaikos had two good shooting opportunities with Calabria and Taborda in the 35th and 38th minutes, but both efforts went over the bar. Olympiacos eventually scored again in stoppage time (45+1’) with Rodinei finishing accurately from inside the box.
The second half began with a double substitution for Panathinaikos, as Swiderski and Pellistri replaced Tetéi and Antino. The Greens controlled the game and searched for a goal, creating a threatening moment with Pellistri in the 65th minute, but they were unable to score and get back into contention.
Panathinaikos: Lafont, Ingason, Jedvaj, Hernández, Calabria (81’ Pantovic), Kyriakopoulos, Chirivella (66’ Siopis), Sánches (66’ Bakasetas), Andino (46’ Pellistri), Taborda, Tetteh (46’ Swiderski).
Olympiacos: Tzolakis, Costinha (77’ Biankone), Ortega, Pirola, Retsos, García (83’ Mouzakitis), Hezze, Rodinei, Martins, Chiquinho (89’ Scipioni), El Kaabi.
