Panathinaikos claimed their third consecutive win in the League Phase of the Greek Cup and took another step toward the top four of the standings, which secures direct qualification to the quarter-finals of the competition. The Greens prevailed 1-0 over Kifissia at Leoforos Stadium thanks to a well-taken penalty by Tasos Bakasetas, returning to positive results after the defeat to AEK in the league derby.
The Greens lined up with ten changes compared to Sunday’s match against AEK and needed time to find their rhythm. Kifissia tried to surprise them, threatening in the 9th minute with a dangerous low cross from Gerson Souza, but Kotsaris was in alert and cleared the danger immediately.
After the 20th minute, Panathinaikos began to significantly increase their tempo, creating conditions to score. However, the goal did not come despite attempts from Bakasetas (19’, 28’) and Ingason (23’), but especially from Djuricic (29’) and Bregu (40’), in the biggest chance of the first half.
The second half was more nervous and of lower quality, with few noteworthy chances. However, the Greens found a way to secure the win. In a situation resembling a siege inside Kifissia’s box, Maidana brought down Ingason, referee Fotias awarded a penalty, and in the 67th minute Bakasetas fired powerfully from the spot to make it 1-0.
The Greens got the job done, took the three points, and now turn their attention to the next league match — the last of the first round — against AELarisa away from home.
Panathinaikos: Kotsaris, Kotsiras (69’ Siopis), Mladenovic, Ingason, Fikaj (90’ Jedvaj), Cerin, Bregu (69’ Bokos), Bakasetas (76’ Dessers), Mancini, Djuricic, Pantovic.
Kifissia: Xenopoulos, Sbokos, Hugo Souza (60’ Petkov), Botia, Maidana (79’ Lampsias), Dias, Amani (60’ Ruben Perez), Gerson Souza (69’ Antonise), Patiras, Tzimas (69’ Pombo), Christopoulos.
