Top rivals await decisive clash

Panathinaikos and Olympiakos win easily; meeting in two weeks’ time will likely decide champion

Panathinaikos marked its 20th league win of the season by beating Aris 2-0 in Thessaloniki yesterday to remain top of the Greek first division.

Dimitris Papadopoulos and Danish midfielder Jan Michaelsen scored for the Athens club.

With two goals from Brazilian striker Giovanni, Olympiakos beat Iraklis Thessaloniki 3-0 at home to keep the pressure on Panathinaikos.

After 25 rounds, Panathinaikos has 64 points, two ahead of Olympiakos.

With only five rounds left, the title will likely be determined when Panathinaikos hosts its archrival Olympiakos on April 18.

Dimitris Salpingidis struck twice as PAOK beat Ionikos 2-0 to retain third place and make it almost certain of a berth in next season’s Champions League qualifying rounds.

AEK only managed a 1-1 draw with last-place Akratitos.

A one-minute silence was observed before all league games in honor of Yiannis Kyrastas, a former player and coach for Panathinaikos, who died midweek aged 52.

In other results Sunday: OFI 0, Paniliakos 0; Kallithea 3, Proodeftiki 1.

On Saturday, Aegaleo beat Xanthi 2-1 to retain fourth place with 45 points. Also on Saturday, Halkidona drew 2-2 against Panionios.

The next round is on April 18 due to the Easter holiday. (AP)