In the heavy shadow of the loss of Giorgos Vardinogiannis, a former outstanding President of the Club, a commanding Panathinaikos gave its fans goals and entertainment, beating Asteras Aktor 5–1 at the Olympic Stadium in the seventh round of the Stoiximan Super League. Jacob Neestrup’s Greens put in an excellent performance, dominated for most of the match, created plenty of chances and scored five goals to remain top of the table. It was a resounding victory that confirmed the team’s strength.
Panathinaikos started brightly, took the initiative early and threatened twice through Kangwa, in the 7th and 9th minutes. Asteras managed to get into the opposition’s penalty area in the 16th minute through Mendez, but the Greens continued to maintain complete control. At 19 minutes, Ounahi’s injury caused concern and cast a somber mood over the Olympic Stadium, but the team kept its focus and continued pressing for a goal.
The Shamrock’s dominance paid off in the 27th minute. Kangwa took a corner from the left, and De Vrij made an excellent run to the near post and headed the ball into the net, scoring his first goal in a Panathinaikos shirt. The Greens were not content with their lead and doubled it four minutes later. In the 31st minute, Louza collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area, controlled it and fired a superb left-footed shot to make it 2–0, opening his account for the Shamrock as well.
The pattern remained unchanged after the break. Panathinaikos kept attacking and came close to a third goal in the 47th minute. Salah-Eddine produced a superb solo run and crossed; Taborda got his head to the ball, but Papakanellos cleared it off the line.
Against the run of play, Asteras pulled one back in the 60th minute with a solo effort and a shot from Papakanellos inside the box. Panathinaikos responded immediately and decisively. Just three minutes later, Louza played a magnificent pass to Dessers, who controlled the ball, turned and finished accurately to make it 3–1, restoring the two-goal advantage.
Neestrup’s players showed no intention of easing off. In the 72nd minute, Calabria scored a superb goal with a powerful diagonal shot from outside the box to make it 4–1. The attacking spree concluded in the 83rd minute with an excellent team move. Jagusic switched play to Louza, who combined neatly with Taborda, collected the ball again and delivered a perfect cross for Tetteh to head home and seal the final 5–1 scoreline.
A minute’s silence was observed at the Olympic Stadium in memory of Giorgos Vardinogiannis. The club’s management, coaching staff, players and other team members also laid flowers in honour of Panathinaikos’ historic president.
Panathinaikos: Peña, Calabria, Salah-Eddine, de Vrij, van Drongelen, Kangwa (68’ Chirivella), Louza, Ounahi (19’ Tetteh), Andino (77’ Jagušić), Levi García (46’ Taborda), Dessers (68’ Rastoder).
Asteras Aktor: Papadopoulos, Chrysopoulos, Laskaris (71’ Orozco), Brorsson, Kotsiras, Mendez, Chico (61’ Kourbelis), González (61’ Bouzoukis), Ketu (46’ Papakanellos), Bartolo, Macheda (79’ Kimpioka).
