Greens storm PAOK’s castle
Giorgos Karagounis helped Panathinaikos to a crucial 1-0 away win at PAOK in the opening round of the soccer Super League playoffs last night. Playing with a player more for the whole of the second half due to the red card given to Uruguayan midfielder Pablo Garcia, Panathinaikos dominated the game in Thessaloniki. The Greens had several great chances, but had to wait until 3 minutes from time to score the goal that makes them the favorites for top spot in the mini-league that secures a place in next season’s Champions League. Karagounis lost his marker just outside the box and lobbed the ball skillfully over PAOK and Greece goalkeeper Costas Chalkias to give the Greens the win that takes them two points ahead of PAOK in the standings. This was also the first home loss for PAOK in the Super League this season. In the other playoff match late last night, AEK was hosting Larissa. Meanwhile in Cyprus, the Nicosia derby was abandoned yesterday as APOEL and Omonia fans clashed both within and outside the GSP Stadium.
